Overview
Uses: Mass plantings, low hedges, foundation plantings, woodland borders, rain gardens, and compact landscape accents.
Benefits: Compact habit with arching stems covered in fragrant white flower spikes in early summer. Offers reliable fall foliage color and adapts well to moist soils.
USDA Hardiness Zones: 5–9
Sun: Full Sun to Partial Shade
Life Cycle: Deciduous Shrub
Growth Habit: Rounded, Mounding — compact shrub with arching branches.
Bloom Color: White
Foliage Color: Green, maturing to Red in fall
Mature Height: 2–3'
Mature Width: 2–3'
Bloom Season: Early Summer
Growth Rate: Moderate
Summary
A compact shrub with fragrant summer blooms and vivid fall color.
Little Henry® Sweetspire is valued for its tidy, rounded form and upright spikes of white flowers that appear in early summer. The lightly fragrant blooms stand out against rich green foliage.
As the season progresses, foliage transitions to shades of red in fall, extending its landscape value beyond bloom time. Its smaller mature size makes it especially useful in foundation plantings, mass plantings, and smaller garden spaces.
Adaptable to a range of soil conditions, including consistently moist sites, this shrub performs well in rain gardens and along pond margins.
Care
Little Henry® Sweetspire Care
Plant in full sun to partial shade. Flowering and fall color are typically strongest with more sun.
Prefers moist, well-drained soil but adapts to average garden conditions. Water regularly during establishment. Once established, it tolerates short dry periods.
Apply a
slow release fertilizer
in early spring to support steady growth and flowering.
Prune lightly after flowering if shaping is desired. Major pruning is rarely necessary due to its compact habit.
Container Growing: Suitable for large containers when soil moisture is monitored carefully. Use high-quality potting soil with proper drainage. Plants hardy in the ground may require winter protection when grown in containers in colder zones.
Size
What Size is the Little Henry® Sweetspire for Sale Online?
Plants ship in a greenhouse-grade grow pot at an actively growing stage. Size at shipment varies seasonally. For current sizing details, please
contact us
.
How Large Does Little Henry® Sweetspire Grow?
At maturity, this shrub typically reaches 2–3 feet tall and wide, forming a dense, rounded presence in the landscape.
Additional Information
What is the botanical name of Little Henry® Sweetspire?
The botanical name is Itea virginica ‘Sprich’ (PP#10,988).
What are some common names for this plant?
This plant is commonly known as Virginia Sweetspire.
Is Little Henry® suitable for moist soils?
Yes. It performs well in consistently moist areas and rain gardens. Explore additional moisture-tolerant selections in our
Shrubs & Bushes and
Native Plants of North America collections.
Does Little Henry® provide fall color?
Yes. In fall, foliage develops rich red tones, adding seasonal interest after summer flowering has finished.
Where can I find more Proven Winners® selections?
Browse our curated collection of
Proven Winners® plants for additional compact shrubs and landscape performers.
