Itea virginica
Virginia Sweetspire
General
A deciduous shrub native to eastern North America, prized for its ornamental qualities. It features arching branches adorned with glossy, dark green leaves that turn vibrant shades of red, orange, and purple in autumn, offering year-round interest in the landscape. Clusters of fragrant white flowers appear in late spring to early summer, attracting pollinators, followed by small, persistent brown fruit capsules that add further visual appeal to this versatile shrub.
Plant Description
This species has a compact, rounded form with gracefully arching branches covered in glossy, dark green leaves. During late spring to early summer, it bursts into bloom with long, slender white flower spikes that emit a sweet fragrance, attracting bees and butterflies. As autumn approaches, the foliage transforms into a brilliant display of red, orange, and purple hues, adding vibrant color to gardens and natural landscapes alike.
Height (ft)
3-5 ft
Spread (ft)
4-6 ft
Soil moisture
Moist, well-drained
Soil types
Various soils, able to retain some moisture
Wetland indicator
FAC
Shade tolerance
Tolerant, Full Sun to Full Shade
Bloom color
White
Bloom period
Spring, Summer
Fall conspicuous
Yes
Anaerobic tolerance
Low
Drought tolerance
Medium
Salinity tolerance
None
Self-Pollinating?
Yes
Range
Found primarily in the southeastern United States, ranging from Virginia and North Carolina southward to Florida, and westward to Louisiana and Texas.
Kartesz, J.T. 2024. Floristic Synthesis of North America, Version 1.0. Biota of North America Program (BONAP) [website http://bonap.org/]