WSU Clark County Extension
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Virginia Sweetspire

Scientific name: Itea virginica
Taxonomy
Family:Grossulariaceae
Type:Deciduous shrubs
Native:NO
Plant Requirements
Zone:5 to 9
Sun:Partial shade
Moisture:Medium
Plant Characteristics
Height:4 ft
Width:6 ft
Bloom:Fragrant flowers
Bloom Time:May to June
Bloom Color:White
Additional Characteristics
Trees


Fruit

Leaves


Bark
Wildlife value

Poisonous
Description Best known for its profusion of white blooms in early summer, this foundation shrub also features a very nice red leaf color in the fall. Also called Itea.

  Morphology:
This deciduous shrub grows 3’-4’ tall and 4’-6’ across. Oval, dark green leaves (1-4" long) turn an attractive garnet red in autumn, sometimes persisting on the shrub until December. Leaves are simple and arranged in an alternate fashion. They have an elliptic to oblong shape being 2”-4” long and 1” wide.

Features fragrant, tiny white flowers borne in cylindrical, drooping racemes (3”-6" long) which cover the shrub with blooms in early summer.

This plant is attractive to bees, butterflies and/or birds

  Adaptation:
Sweetspire prefers partial to full shade. Prefers moist, humus-rich soils, but tolerates a wide range of soil conditions. Best fall foliage occurs in full sun.

As for soil moisture, Sweetspire can tolerate wet sites and thrive.

  Pests:
No serious insect or disease problems.
For assistance, contact Dr. Charles Brun (brunc@wsu.edu), (360) 397-6060 5701
Computing and Web Resources, PO Box 6234, Washington State University, Pullman WA 99164-6234