Scentlandia® Sweetspire

Itea virginica 'SMNIVDFC'

Nature Hills Nursery

Scentlandia Sweetspire Delivers Fragrant White Bottlebrush Flowers All Summer Long
Thrives in Zones 5-9
Grows 2-3 ft Tall and Wide
Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant
Native, Pollinator-Friendly - Attracts Butterflies and Hummingbirds

$26¹⁴

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Find your Growing Zone

Plant Size

Quart Container

Product variants

Planting & Care

Where to Plant

Sunlight: Aim for at least six hours of direct sun to get the most fragrant blooms and the most intense purple fall color. It handles partial shade well, but you will notice fewer flower spikes and more muted foliage colors in autumn.
Soil: This shrub thrives in rich, moist soil and is an excellent choice for heavy clay areas where water tends to linger. If you have sandy soil, mix in several inches of compost or organic matter to help the ground hold moisture like a sponge.

Watering Requirements

Keep the soil consistently moist during the first two years while the root system settles into its new home. While Scentlandia is quite adaptable once mature, inconsistent watering during hot spells can cause the leaf edges to turn crispy and reduce the size of next year’s flowers.

Pruning Tips

This plant blooms on old wood, meaning the flower buds for next year form shortly after the current flowers fade. Give the shrub a light haircut immediately after the white spikes finish blooming to maintain a tidy shape. Avoid pruning in late winter or early spring, or you will accidentally cut off all of the upcoming season's flowers.

Fertilizer Needs

Apply a balanced, slow release fertilizer in early spring as soon as you see the first signs of green growth. Avoid high nitrogen fertilizers in the late summer or fall. Late season feeding encourages tender new growth that does not have enough time to toughen up before the winter frost arrives.

Delivery and Shipping

Shipping Rates

Ships in 7-10 business days • Tracking provided • Weather protected

Under $50	$9.99
$50 - $99.99	$14.99
$100 - $149.99	$16.99
$150 - $198.99	$24.99
$199+	FREE

✓ Zone-specific timing • ✓ Professional packaging • ✓ Health guarantee

Understanding Our Container Sizes

At Nature Hills, our plants are sold in industry-standard nursery containers. You will notice we use the word "container" rather than "gallon." Container numbers follow a nursery trade size standard, not liquid volume. The number tells you the plant's size category and general maturity level. A larger container means a more established plant with a stronger root system.

Container Sizes

Quart

Plant age: 6 months to 1 year
Best for: Ground covers, perennials, ornamental grasses
What to expect: Our smallest and most affordable size. Well-suited for planting in multiples across a large area. Allow 1 to 2 seasons for full establishment.

#1 Container

Plant age: 1 to 2 years
Best for: Shrubs, perennials, smaller trees
What to expect: About the size of a large coffee can. A well-developed root system in a manageable size. Good value choice when you have time to let the plant grow into the space over a season or two.

#2 Container

Plant age: 2 to 3 years
Best for: Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment
What to expect: A noticeable step up from a #1 in both plant size and root development. Good choice when you want visible presence without going to a larger size.

#3 Container

Plant age: 3 to 4 years
Best for: Most plants, most situations — flowering trees, shade trees, evergreen shrubs
What to expect: Our most popular size. Strong, developed root system. Plants in a #3 container make an immediate visual impact from day one. If you want a head start rather than waiting seasons for a plant to fill in, this is typically the right choice.

#5 Container and Larger

Plant age: 4 to 5+ years
Best for: Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact
What to expect: Large, mature plants ready to make an immediate statement in your landscape. We also carry #7 and larger sizes for select varieties.

Why "Container" and Not "Gallon"?

Nursery container sizes follow an industry trade standard established for the nursery and horticulture industry. The number is a size designation, not a measurement of liquid volume. Actual soil volume varies by plant type, root mass, and growing medium. Using "container" is the accurate industry term. When you see #1, #2, or #3, think of it as the plant's size tier, not a gallon measurement.

Root Pouch Containers

Some Nature Hills plants arrive in a Root Pouch, a breathable fabric container made from 100% recycled materials. Root Pouches encourage denser root development through air pruning, which discourages root circling and promotes a stronger, more fibrous root ball at the time of planting.

Plants growing in Root Pouch fabric containers, showing the breathable woven fabric construction

There are two types. Knowing which one you have changes how you plant:

Degradable (brown or tan fabric): Plant the entire pouch directly in the ground. The fabric breaks down naturally in the soil over time.
Non-degradable (black or gray fabric): Remove the pouch before planting. Cut the bottom open with scissors, then peel the sides away. The fibrous root ball will hold its shape.

Not sure which type you have? Check the tag on your plant or contact us and we will confirm.

Full Root Pouch planting guide

Choosing the Right Size

Size	Plant Age	Best For
Quart	6 mo to 1 yr	Ground covers, perennials, grasses. Budget-friendly for mass plantings.
#1 Container	1 to 2 yrs	Shrubs, perennials, small trees. Value choice for patient gardeners.
#2 Container	2 to 3 yrs	Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment.
#3 Container	3 to 4 yrs	Most plants. Immediate visual impact. Our most popular size.
#5 and larger	4+ yrs	Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact.

Still not sure which size is right for your project? Our plant specialists are happy to help. Contact us and we will point you in the right direction.

Plant specifications
Plant Characteristics	Cold hardy, Native, Fragrant, Flowering, Fall Color/Interest, Wet Soils, Hedge/Screen, Attracts pollinators
Hardiness Zone	5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b
Sunlight	Full sun
Height	2-3 ft
Width	2-3 ft
Watering Needs	High
Preferred Soil	Peaty
Growth Rate	Moderate
Growth Habit	Bushy, Compact, Upright
Blooms In	Summer
Flower Color	White
Foliage Color	Green
Fragrant	Yes
Native	Yes
Suitable Space	Outdoors
Botanical Name	Itea virginica 'SMNIVDFC'
Species	virginica
Cultivar	SMNIVDFC
Class	Saxifragales
Does Not Ship To	AK, HI, ID, MT, PR

Fragrance, Color, Compact Size Proven Winner® Color Choice® Scentlandia® Sweetspire

Sweetly Scented Summer Blooms for Weeks
Long Bottlebrush-Style White Flowers
Glossy Green Summer Leaves
Incredible Red and Purple Fall Color
Easily Grown in Containers
Very Compact Dwarf Shrubs Fit Anywhere
Thrives in Sun, Partial Shade to Full Shade
Durable, Handles Periodic Drought and Works in Wet Soil
Deer Resistant
Widely Adaptable

Modern plant breeders work hard to bring to market small plants that offer multiple seasons of interest. Proven Winner® Color Choice® Scentlandia® Sweetspire (Itea virginica 'SMNIVDFC' PP 30233) is a marvelous cultivar of a beloved native shrub. This highly fragrant variety works beautifully in any size landscape, including even the tiniest of yards or rental properties.

These charming shrubs are so versatile. Scentlandia are compact flowering shrubs and thrive in full sun, part sun, shade, periodically dry soil and occasional wet soil.

Grow them in the ground, or use them in special landscape containers. You can certainly rely on the superior performance and many ornamental features.

It's covered in long, cute, white "spires" of compound flowers for several weeks in summer. You'll be enchanted by the amazing fragrance.

Scentandia is also an absolute butterfly magnet! They'll feed on the nectar in each of the tiny flowers, following the length of each spire. What a show!

And of course, shade tolerant flower shrubs are really worth their weight in gold. Add fragrant flowers, a compact form and outstanding fall color? Scentlandia Sweetspire is a total winner!

These native plants will rival Burning Bush in terms of autumn color. It's a thrilling mix of purple and reds in the fall to close out your season.

Place your order for Scentlandia Sweetspire today. This is one of our very best native shrubs. Enjoy it in your space!

How to Use Scentlandia® Sweetspire in the Landscape

Pop these cute, tough little flowering shrubs anywhere you want to add definition and color. They'll make a stunning edging plant all along your foundation planting.

Mix them into your garden borders. The more, the merrier! Let them get settled in either sun or part shade, and just about any soil condition.

This is the perfect small shrub to use throughout your entire landscape design. You'll be so pleased how it brings the entire look together.

If you have a slope, use Scentlandia as a mass planting to control erosion. Why not mix in our other Sweetspire cultivars as a special collection? The butterflies will appreciate your thoughtfulness and the neighbors will love your good taste!

Plant 18 inches apart on center in staggered, zigzagging rows.Measure from the center of one to the center of the next. The canopies will fill in to touch. It's a fantastic look that is so easy-care!

Try them as a "Thriller" in containers placed on either side of your front door. Heck, use them on your balcony, patio, porch or deck. People are even using containers between their garage door bays to boost the ornamental appeal of these prosaic utility areas.

Scentlandia will tolerate wet conditions, and can be added to Rain Gardens. Use in low-lying areas of your yard that seem to stay damp.

This is a wonderful plant for the front of the mixed shrub border. Its small size makes it perfect for smaller borders and beds. They'll also be helpful as facer plants at the base of "leggy" larger shrubs.

And you'll want to consider using a low hedge of these pretty shrubs as a border around your vegetable garden or fruit trees. Let's support the nectar needs of pollinators for a plentiful harvest!

#ProPlantTips for Care

If you have a sunny spot, you'll get the most flowering and the best fall color. But they'll do just fine in shadier spots.

These rugged plants grow in both moist, wet areas and in well-drained soil conditions. Once established, Scentlandia can tolerate dry conditions, although best results come with a moderate amount of water on a regular basis.

It's a good idea to water your Sweetspire in late fall, as you head into winter. Mulch over the root system with a three-inch layer.

You can easily snip the blooms once they are past to keep the look trim and tidy. Enjoy the lustrous green leaves in summer,and the spectacular fall color. In springtime, once you notice new growth, trim away any winter damage that may occur in the coldest USDA zones it is rated for.

Fertilize in early spring with a good, organic, slow-release fertilizer. Use the application rate listed on the label.

Don't wait another season to enjoy the many delights of Scentlandia Sweetspire. Order this useful native shrub today!

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the soil requirements for planting Scentlandia® Sweetspire, especially wet soils?

Scentlandia® Sweetspire thrives in both periodically dry soil and occasional wet soil conditions. This adaptable native shrub handles poor drainage well, making it excellent for rain gardens or low-lying areas. Plant it anywhere from full sun to full shade for reliable performance.

How do I prune Scentlandia® Sweetspire and when is the best time?

Prune Scentlandia® Sweetspire in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Remove any dead, damaged, or crossing branches, and lightly shape as needed since this compact cultivar naturally maintains its form. Avoid heavy pruning to preserve summer blooms and fall color. Shop quality plants at Nature Hills.

Is Scentlandia® Sweetspire cold hardy in zone 5, and will flowers survive winter?

Scentlandia® Sweetspire is cold hardy in zone 5, but the flowers won't survive winter since this shrub blooms on new growth each summer. Like all deciduous shrubs, it goes dormant in winter and leafs out again in spring. Plant it in a protected spot and mulch around the base for best winter survival.

Are the flowers of Scentlandia® Sweetspire fragrant, and when do they bloom?

Yes, Scentlandia® Sweetspire produces highly fragrant white bottlebrush-style flowers that bloom for several weeks in summer. The blooms are so sweetly scented they attract butterflies as pollinators. Plant in any light condition from full sun to full shade for reliable fragrant summer blooms.

How does Scentlandia® Sweetspire ship—bare root or potted?

Scentlandia® Sweetspire ships as a healthy potted plant, not bare root. This allows you to plant immediately upon arrival during the growing season. Order yours at naturehills.com for reliable establishment in your garden.

Is Scentlandia® Sweetspire deer resistant or do animals bother it?

Scentlandia® Sweetspire is deer resistant, making it an excellent choice for areas with browsing pressure. This native shrub's natural compounds deter deer while attracting beneficial butterflies to its fragrant summer blooms. Plant it confidently in exposed areas where deer frequently visit.

Can Scentlandia® Sweetspire tolerate drought once established?

Yes, Scentlandia® Sweetspire handles periodic drought well once established. This durable native shrub adapts to varying moisture conditions, from dry spells to occasional wet soil. Water regularly the first year, then reduce frequency as the plant matures.

What fertilizer does Scentlandia® Sweetspire need, if any?

Scentlandia® Sweetspire thrives without regular fertilization as a native plant. A light application of balanced fertilizer in early spring can boost growth, but it's not necessary for healthy blooms and fall color. Focus on good soil drainage instead.

Scentlandia® Sweetspire

Itea virginica 'SMNIVDFC'