Lawn Guardian

Virginia Sweetspire Care Guide

Itea virginica

shrubZones 5–9nativedeer resistant

Native suckering shrub with fragrant white bottlebrush-like flowers in summer and brilliant red-purple fall color that persists for weeks. Tolerates wet soils.

At a glance

Season-by-season care

Spring

Thin if too dense Early spring

Remove some suckers if the colony is spreading beyond desired area.

Summer

Enjoy fragrant blooms June-July

Drooping white flower racemes are sweetly fragrant and attract pollinators. No deadheading needed.

Fall

Enjoy fall color October-December

Leaves turn brilliant red, orange, and purple and persist well into late fall.

Ecological value

Fragrant white flowers attract native bees, butterflies, and beneficial insects. Adaptable native suitable for rain gardens and naturalized areas.

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Related plants

Sources: Purdue University Turfgrass Science: Use Growing Degree Days to Better Time Your Applications · University of Missouri Extension: Cool-Season Grasses: Lawn Maintenance Calendar · University of Minnesota Extension: Pre-emergent Herbicides for Crabgrass Control in Lawns