Description

Itea virginica, Virginia Sweetspire, Wholesale Native Bare Root Shrubs 6-12″

VA Ecotype

Itea virginica L.
Virginia Sweetspire, Tassel-white, Virginia Willow
Saxifragaceae (Saxifrage Family)
Synonym(s):
USDA Symbol: ITVI
USDA Native Status: L48 (N)
Virginia sweetspire is a mound-shaped, slender-branched, deciduous shrub to 10 ft. Small, white flowers bloom in 4 in. spires that droop with the arching branches. Flowers open from base to tip so that the plant appears to bloom for a long time. Leaves turn red to purple in fall and persist well into the winter. This plant is semi-evergreen in the southern part of its range.

The long tassels of white flowers and red fall foliage make this an attractive ornamental. Most effective in massed plantings.

Plant Characteristics
Duration: Perennial
Habit: Shrub
Leaf Retention: Deciduous
Fruit Type: Capsule
Size Notes: Usually 3 to 6 feet, but can reach 10 feet tall.
Leaf: Green, red in autumn
Autumn Foliage: yes
Flower: Flowers in 4 inch spires
Fruit: Brown
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: White
Bloom Time: Apr , May , Jun
Distribution
USA: AL , AR , DC , DE , FL , GA , IL , IN , KY , LA , MD , MO , MS , NC , NJ , OK , PA , SC , TN , TX , VA
Native Distribution: S. NJ to KY, s. IL, MO & OK, s. to FL & TX
Native Habitat: Wet, wooded stream banks; swamps; low pine barrens
Growing Conditions
Water Use: High
Light Requirement: Part Shade
Soil Moisture: Moist
Soil pH: Acidic (pH<6.8)
CaCO3 Tolerance: Medium
Soil Description: Moist, acid soils. Acid-based, Sandy, Sandy Loam, Medium Loam, Clay Loam, Clay
Conditions Comments: It blooms best and has better fall color if grown in an area that receives full sun at least part of the day. Can grow in swamps and other areas of poor drainage. Should be watered during droughts outside its natural habitat.
Benefit
Use Ornamental: Understory, Erosion control, Showy, Fall conspicuous
Use Wildlife: Cover, Nectar-insects
Conspicuous Flowers: yes
Attracts: Birds

Itea virginica, Virginia Sweetspire, Wholesale Native Bare Root Shrubs 6-12″

 

Check the native status pf this plant for your area here.

Very Limited Quantities

25 or more $4.50 each

Limit of 25 per person due to the limited amount available this year.