Growing guide · Shrubs

Itea virginica 'Henry's Garnet'

How to grow Virginia Sweetspire 'Henry's Garnet'.

Wet spot? Shade? It's fine.

Light
Full sun, part sun, shade
Water
Moderate
Zones
5–9
Size
3–4 ft tall, 4–6 ft wide
Spacing
4–5 ft apart.
Pets
Not on the ASPCA pet-safe list; keep it out of reach
See sizes · from $77.99
Arching shrub with drooping fragrant white flower spikes

Light

Sun to shade. Best fall color in sun.

Water

Keep moist the first year. Handles wet soil and short dry spells once established.

Planting and soil

Plant in spring or fall, crown at soil level.

Feeding

Compost in spring.

Pruning

Prune right after flowering. Remove a few old stems at the base every few years.

Through the year

Leaves in spring. Flowers in May and June. Garnet fall color from October, holding late.

If something's off

Suckers spread it wider over time. Iron chlorosis (yellow leaves, green veins) in very alkaline soil.

Plays well with

Plant it with friends.

Summersweet 'Ruby Spice'
Clethra alnifoliaSummersweet 'Ruby Spice' from $57.99
Blue Flag Iris 'Purple Flame'
Iris versicolorBlue Flag Iris 'Purple Flame' from $37.99
Turtlehead 'Hot Lips'
Chelone lyoniiTurtlehead 'Hot Lips' from $31.99

Why we stock it: A native that handles wet soil, dry soil, sun and shade, and still has three seasons of interest.

Grows wild in 14 states (USDA PLANTS records).

That's everything we know about growing it. Thanks for reading.

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Kits with Virginia Sweetspire 'Henry's Garnet'.

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The Rain Garden Rain garden kit The Rain Garden Turns the soggy spot into the best spot. SummersweetHibiscusBlue flag irisTurtleheadChokeberryAll 5 native or native varietyZones 4–911 plants · $519.894 × 8 ft low spot
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