Native Plant Database

Header Photo: Mervin Wallace

Virginia Sweetspire

Itea virginica
Plant Type: Shrubs
Native Environment: Stream Edge, Wetland
Season of Interest: Mid (May - June), Late (July - frost)
Main Color: White
Fall Color: Red

USDA PLANTS Range Map

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Clusters of drooping creamy white flowers and green foliage.
Photo: Carol Davit
Sun Exposure 
Full Sun, Medium Sun/Average Shade
Soil
Moisture
Moderate, High
Nature Attracting
Butterfly, Pollinators/Beneficial Insects
Wildlife Benefit
Butterfly / Moth Nectar, Nesting
Animal
Resistance
Deer Resistant
Size

Height:

3 to
5
feet

Spread:

4 to
6
feet
Size
Height: 3 to
5
feet
Spread: 4 to
6
feet
Size
Height: 3 to
5
feet
Spread: 4 to
6
feet
Typical Landscape Use
Mass in a shrub border or group as a background plant in native gardens or perennial borders.
Establishment and Care Instructions
Grow in full sun or shade in moist, acidic soil. Will tolerate short periods of drought.
Special Features
Special Usage
Fragrant, Rainscaping
Basic Description

Shrub with slender upright branches that eventually arch over; usually wider than tall. Very fragrant clusters of drooping creamy white flowers May-June. Dark green leaves turn scarlet and crimson in fall, remaining showy for many weeks.

Clusters of drooping creamy white flowers and green foliage.

Virginia sweetspire shrub. Photo: Carol Davit.

 

Red and green foliage.

Virginia sweetspire in fall. Photo: Carol Davit.

 

 

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Where Can I Find This Plant in Nature?

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