Virginia sweetspire - Itea virginica (Care, Characteristics, Flower, Images)

Virginia sweetspire

Also known as: Virginia willow

Native to streambanks and pine barrens of the Southeastern U.S., the deciduous virginia sweetspire can be used for woody borders in landscaping. In its scientific name, Itea virginica, “Itea” comes from the Greek word for “willow” due to its similarly cascading leaves and flowers.

Scientific classification

Species

Virginia sweetspire (Itea virginica)

Saxifrages, stonecrops and allies

Instantly identify plants with a snap

Snap a photo for instant plant ID, gaining quick insights on disease prevention, treatment, toxicity, care, uses, and symbolism, etc.

Download the App for Free

Perennial

Lifespan

1.5 m

Spread

Green, Red, Yellow

Leaf Color

1 cm to 1.5 cm

Flower Size

Brown, Copper

Fruit Color

White, Yellow

Flower Color

Green, Red, Purple, Burgundy

Stem Color

Winter dormancy

Dormancy

Deciduous

Leaf type

5 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Images of Virginia sweetspire

Attributes of Virginia sweetspire

Growth Rate

Virginia sweetspire's slow growth rate in Spring allows for measured advancement, typically marked by budding leaves that mature at pace with the plant's development. This reduced pace affords virginia sweetspire the opportunity to adjust to environmental factors critical during its active growing season. The slower growth pattern ensures stability and resistance against seasonal fluctuations, with minimal energy expenditure.

Culture

Garden Use

The lovely and versatile virginia sweetspire is a popular showy plant, with its colorful foliage and large size. It makes a great hedge shrub at the edges of gardens or pathways. Smaller variations make good accent shrubs in flower beds. Gardeners plant them in many gardens, from butterfly to pond to native gardens.

Interesting Facts

Virginia sweetspire is often grown for its low-maintenance habit, its sweet fragrant flowers, and lushly colored fall foliage. This deciduous shrub keeps its leaves well into winter and will easily thrive in full sun to part shade. If the bush is not flowering, it may need more sunlight.

Name Story

Virginia sweetspire: Virginia sweetspire is also known as Itea virginica. The genus name, Itea, comes from the Greek language and means willow because the leaves and flower clusters are similar in appearance to some willow trees. The specific of epithet, virginica, means of Virginia.

Get quick plant knowledge with a snap

Snap a photo for instant plant identification and learn about its name, symbolism, interesting facts, uses, and more.

Download the App for Free

Quickly Identify Virginia sweetspire

Delicate, fragrant white flowers on 2-6 inch (5-15 cm) racemes in early summer.

Elongated leaves with finely serrated edges, 1.5-4 inches (3.8-10 cm) long.

Stems display green to reddish-purple color, crescent-shaped leaf scars, and imbricate buds.

Woody capsules with soft hairs, around 1/3 inch (0.85 cm) long, ornamental in arrangement.

Leaves are elliptical, dark green, with acute apex and cuneate base, turning red in autumn.

Identify plants with a snap

Instantly identify plants with AI: Snap a photo, and get accurate results within seconds.

Download the App for Free

Care Guide for Virginia sweetspire

Every 1-2 weeks

Water

Partial sun

Sunlight

5 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Garden Soil

Soil Type

Water: Virginia sweetspire originates from eastern North America's damp environments, thriving in moist conditions. It prefers consistent soil moisture, needing watering once every 1-2 weeks. As an ornamental shrub, virginia sweetspire adapts to various moisture levels but flourishes with regular watering during its active growing season.

Fertilize: For optimal growth, fertilize virginia sweetspire with balanced fertilizers (e.g., 10-10-10) in spring, then switch to high nitrogen before summer. Use 1 tablespoon per square foot, ensuring adequate watering post-application. Young virginia sweetspire should be fertilized more often to strengthen roots. Wear gloves and avoid foliage contact.

Pruning: Virginia sweetspire is a deciduous shrub with fragrant, white, cone-shaped flowers. Prune in early spring, removing dead or crossing branches to enhance air circulation and shape. Thinning older stems encourages vigorous flowering, and cuts should be made above a bud for new growth.

Propagation: Virginia sweetspire propagates best in autumn and winter using cutting and layering methods, demonstrating moderate difficulty. Success is confirmed by new shoot and root growth. Maintaining optimal moisture levels enhances propagation outcomes.

Repotting: Repot virginia sweetspire every 2-3 years in early spring using a slightly larger container. After repotting, place virginia sweetspire in partial shade and keep the soil moist. Avoid waterlogged conditions for optimal recovery, as this adaptable species has no difficult care points.

Get tips and tricks for your plants.

Keep your plants happy and healthy with our guide to watering, lighting, feeding and more.

Download the App for Free

Images of Virginia sweetspire

Attributes of Virginia sweetspire

Culture

Quickly Identify Virginia sweetspire

Care Guide for Virginia sweetspire

PEOPLE ALSO ASK

Common Pests & Diseases