Overview
Uses: Foundation plantings, borders, mass plantings, woodland edges, rain gardens, and pollinator habitats.
Benefits: Compact habit, upright white flower spikes with sweet fragrance, glossy foliage that turns brilliant red and burgundy in fall, and excellent deer resistance.
USDA Hardiness Zones: 5 – 9
Sun: Full Sun to Partial Shade
Life Cycle: Deciduous shrub
Mature Height: ~2' – 3'
Mature Width: ~2' – 3'
Bloom Season: Early to Mid-Summer
Growth Rate: Moderate
Summary
Sweet fragrance, fiery fall color, and a perfectly tidy shape—Fizzy Mizzy® Sweetspire packs a lot of personality into a small footprint.
Named the 2024 Proven Winners® Landscape Shrub of the Year, this standout variety was bred for modern gardens: compact, low-maintenance, and extraordinarily showy. In early summer, Fizzy Mizzy® bursts into bloom with upright, bottlebrush-like flower spikes that perfume the air and draw pollinators from near and far. As the season turns, its glossy green foliage transforms into a mosaic of crimson and burgundy—an encore performance that carries well into fall.
Unlike older sweetspire varieties, Fizzy Mizzy® maintains a dense, upright habit that resists flopping, even in moist soils. It thrives in sun or partial shade, tolerates clay and rain-garden conditions, and rarely needs pruning. Whether planted as a fragrant foundation accent, grouped along a shaded border, or used to stabilize slopes and wet areas, Fizzy Mizzy® proves that small shrubs can make a big impact.
Care
Fizzy Mizzy® Sweetspire Care
Plant in full sun to partial shade. More sun typically yields heavier bloom and richer fall color. Tolerates clay and periodically wet soils; consistent moisture during the growing season produces best results.
Water regularly during the first year to establish strong roots. After establishment, water during dry spells—especially in hotter climates.
Feed in spring with a balanced slow release fertilizer if desired; avoid heavy nitrogen that pushes foliage over flowers.
Prune, if needed, immediately after flowering (blooms on old wood). Light shaping maintains its compact, mounded habit.
For mass plantings, space about 2' – 3' apart to create a cohesive look and allow mature spread.
Size
Size of Fizzy Mizzy® for Sale Online
Our plants ship in greenhouse-grade grow pots and are appropriately sized for their containers. For current pot sizes and availability, please contact us.
Size of Fizzy Mizzy® When Mature
Expect a compact, rounded shrub approximately 2' – 3' tall and 2' – 3' wide at maturity under average garden conditions.
Additional Information
What is the botanical name of Fizzy Mizzy® Sweetspire?
Itea virginica ‘SMNIVDFC’ — Proven Winners® ColorChoice® (PP34,295).
Is Fizzy Mizzy® Sweetspire deer resistant?
Yes. Sweetspire is generally deer resistant, making it a smart choice where browsing pressure is common.
Does Fizzy Mizzy® Sweetspire attract pollinators?
Absolutely—its fragrant, upright flower spikes are highly attractive to bees and butterflies in early summer.
How far apart should I plant Fizzy Mizzy® Sweetspire?
For borders and mass plantings, space plants about 2' – 3' on center. In mixed beds, allow enough room for natural spread and airflow.
When should I prune Fizzy Mizzy® Sweetspire?
Prune immediately after flowering if shaping is needed. Avoid late-season pruning, which can remove next year’s flower buds (flowers on old wood).
What kind of fall color does sweetspire have?
Expect vivid reds and burgundies, often with orange undertones, for one of the best fall displays among compact shrubs.
Will sweetspire tolerate clay or periodic wet soil?
Yes—sweetspire performs in clay and handles periodic wetness, making it ideal for rain gardens and low areas.
Can sweetspire grow in shade?
Partial shade is fine. For maximum flowering and deepest fall color, provide at least a half day of sun.
Is Itea virginica native and useful for erosion control?
Yes—native to parts of eastern North America, with a fibrous root system that helps stabilize soil on slopes and along waterways.
Is Fizzy Mizzy® Sweetspire suitable for containers?
Yes—use a high-quality potting mix and maintain consistent moisture. Containers may need extra watering during heat waves.
When is the best time to plant?
Spring and fall are ideal. In hotter regions, fall planting helps roots establish before summer heat.
