Henry Virginia sweetspire
Itea virginica 'Henry'
RHS AGM 2012; MBG Plant of Merit
USDA zones5 to 9
SunHandles full sun or partial sun or full shade
WaterHandles moderate to wet soil
Size3 to 4 feet tall4+ feet wide
- Growth rate
- Moderate
- Habit
- Arching
- Bloom season
- Spring, summer, autumn
- Soil types
- Loam, clay
- Soil pH
- Acid
Garden uses
Attracts
Notes
'Henry' Virginia sweetspire (Itea virginica 'Henry') is a shrub for borders, hedges, and rain gardens. It is hardy to USDA zone 5, or down to -20°F (-29°C). This plant likes full sun to full shade and average to wet, loamy or clay soil. Its arching stems reach 3 to 4 feet tall, and fragrant blooms draw butterflies, hummingbirds, bees, and birds. Deer rarely make it their first choice. It also tolerates drought once settled in.
Pairs well with Inkberry, Hardy hibiscus, Great blue lobelia, and Karl Foerster feather reed grass.