Shrub - Virginia Sweetspire

Virginia Sweetspire

Botanical Name

:

Itea virginica

Plant Type

:

Deciduous shrub

Seasons

:

Plant in spring (after last frost), blooms from late spring to mid-summer

Sun Level

:

Full sun to partial shade

Ideal Soil Temperature for Planting

:

60–70°F (15–21°C)

Soil Type

:

Moist, well-drained, humusy soil

Hardiness Zones

:

5–9 (USDA)

Germination

:

14–21 days

P.H. Level

:

5.0–6.5 (acidic)

Water/Irrigation

:

Regular watering, especially during the first year

Fertilization

:

Light application of balanced fertilizer (e.g., 10-10-10) in spring

Habit

:

Upright, arching branches

Propagation

:

Seeds, division

Final Plant Height

:

4–8 ft

Spread

:

4–8 ft

Flowers

:

Small, fragrant, white flowers in terminal racemes

Attracts

:

Bees, butterflies, and other pollinators

Uses

:

Ornamental, erosion control, rain gardens, and foundation plants

Companions

:

Coneflowers (Echinacea), ferns, ornamental grasses

Pruning

:

Prune after flowering

Toxicity

:

Generally considered non-toxic to humans and animals

Pests

:

Rarely affected by pests but sometimes flea beetles can be a issue

Diseases

:

Chlorosis (when the soil pH creeps above 7.0) and leaft spot

Fun Fact

:

he genus name “Itea” is derived from the Greek word for “willow,” referring to the plant’s willow-like leaves and flower clusters

Botanical Name

:

Itea virginica

Plant Type

:

Deciduous shrub

Seasons

:

Plant in spring (after last frost), blooms from late spring to mid-summer

Sun Level

:

Full sun to partial shade

Ideal Soil Temperature for Planting

:

60–70°F (15–21°C)

Soil Type

:

Moist, well-drained, humusy soil

Hardiness Zones

:

5–9 (USDA)

Germination

:

14–21 days

P.H. Level

:

5.0–6.5 (acidic)

Water/Irrigation

:

Regular watering, especially during the first year

Fertilization

:

Light application of balanced fertilizer (e.g., 10-10-10) in spring

Habit

:

Upright, arching branches

Propagation

:

Seeds, division

Final Plant Height

:

4–8 ft

Spread

:

4–8 ft

Flowers

:

Small, fragrant, white flowers in terminal racemes

Attracts

:

Bees, butterflies, and other pollinators

Uses

:

Ornamental, erosion control, rain gardens, and foundation plants

Companions

:

Coneflowers (Echinacea), ferns, ornamental grasses

Pruning

:

Prune after flowering

Toxicity

:

Generally considered non-toxic to humans and animals

Pests

:

Rarely affected by pests but sometimes flea beetles can be a issue

Diseases

:

Chlorosis (when the soil pH creeps above 7.0) and leaft spot

Fun Fact

:

he genus name “Itea” is derived from the Greek word for “willow,” referring to the plant’s willow-like leaves and flower clusters

Written by Nondiah Khalayi – https://www.linkedin.com/in/nondiah-khalayi/