Itea 'Henry's Garnet'
(Itea virginica 'Henry's Garnet')
- Type: Deciduous
- Light: Sun to partial shade
- Height: 3-4'
- Spread: 4-6'
- Flower: White
- Bloom: Spring
- Fruit: Capsule
- Fruit Time: Fall
Itea virginica, commonly called Virginia sweetspire, is an erect, rounded, broad-spreading, deciduous shrub with arching branches. Typically grows 3-4' (less frequently to 5') tall with a similar spread. Features fragrant, tiny white flowers borne in cylindrical, drooping racemes (3-6" long) which cover the shrub with bloom in late spring to early summer. Oval, dark green leaves (1-4" long) turn varying shades of red, orange and gold in autumn. Long period of fall color, with leaves often persisting on the plants until early winter. 'Henry's Garnet' has larger flowers and better fall color compared to the species.