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Henry's Garnet Virginia Sweetspire

Itea virginica 'Henry's Garnet'

Nature Hills Nursery
$3679
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Plant Size

Planting & Care

Where to Plant

  • Sunlight: This shrub performs best in full sun to part shade. For the most intense "garnet" fall color and heaviest flower production, aim for at least 6 hours of direct sunlight. While it handles shade well, the foliage will remain more green than purple in autumn and the flower tassels will be more sparse.
  • Soil: Henry’s Garnet loves moist, slightly acidic soil but is famous for its "built-in boots" that allow it to handle wet feet and heavy clay. If you have sandy soil, mix in organic compost to help hold moisture, as this plant does not like to completely dry out.

Watering Requirements

During the first year, water twice weekly to ensure the root system anchors deeply into your soil. Once established, this shrub is remarkably adaptable and can tolerate occasional drought, though inconsistent watering during summer heat can lead to "crispy" leaf edges and smaller flower spikes the following spring. Think of it as a moisture-loving plant that can survive a dry spell, rather than a desert-dweller.

Pruning Tips

Since this plant blooms on old wood, you should only prune immediately after the flowers fade in early summer. If you prune in late winter, you will accidentally cut off all of the season's flower buds. Focus on removing the oldest, woodiest stems down to the ground every few years to encourage vigorous new growth, which helps keep the plant’s mounded shape from becoming leggy.

Fertilizer Needs

Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring just as new growth begins to emerge. Avoid using high-nitrogen fertilizers after midsummer, as this encourages soft, tender growth that won't have time to "harden off" before the first frost. This late-season growth is easily damaged by winter cold, which can lead to dieback and a patchy appearance the following year.

Delivery and Shipping

Preorder Shipping Schedule

We ship your plants when it's safe to transport them to your zone. Dates are estimated and subject to weather delays.

Zone 3-4 Week of March 30th
Zone 5 Week of March 16th
Zone 6-12 Week of March 2nd


Shipping Rates

Ships in 3-4 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

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Popular Ornamental Shrub with 4-Season Interest

  • Summer Flowers
  • Fragrant
  • Hardy
  • Wildlife Interest

Henry's Garnet Virginia Sweetspire, Itea virginica 'Henry's Garnet', is an ornamental shrub with wonderfully fragrant blooms. Plant one for a gorgeous foundation plant in your front yard, or use several in your side yard. They naturalize well and are sure to provide an elegant appearance in those less-civilized areas of your landscape.

Your 'Henry's Garnet' Virginia Sweetspire will wow you with its 6-inch long, dense clusters of white blossoms in June (when many other plants are just getting started). The fragrant beauties last well into summer and are sure to call you in for a closer look, just as it will your hummingbirds, butterflies and other pollinators.

The flowers reach up above the bright green foliage before gently cascading down for an elegant appearance in your landscape. The oblong leaves transition to a delightful red for fall and often hang on into winter to extend the show.

'Henry's Garnet' Virginia Sweetspire is an upright shrub with a rounded form and an open nature. This Sweetspire won't require a lot of time from you to achieve its naturally beautiful appearance, and is hardy enough to thrive regardless of minor inconveniences. It even naturalizes well.

Sweetspire has long been a popular ornamental shrub among gardeners, and 'Henry's Garnet' Virginia Sweetspire has clusters almost twice as long as other cultivars! It's sure to bring a smile to your face this year when you witness first-hand all that it has to offer for your yard.

Growing Zones 5-9

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