Does Virginia sweetspire lose its leaves?
Virginia Sweetspire is in the genus Itea, and is native from New Jersey to eastern Texas. This shrub provides vibrant fall color and although it is deciduous, it is one of the last shrubs to lose its leaves over the winter. Once this plant is established, it can withstand drought conditions.
Is Itea virginica poisonous?
Two safe bets are Itea virginica (Virginia sweetspire) and Hydrangea quercifolia (oakleaf hydrangea). Both of these blooming shrubs are hardy varieties that are not poisonous to dogs and can survive in many environments.
Is Itea virginica native?
In its native habitat, Itea virginica is found in wetlands and swamps and along stream banks and lake edges throughout much of the eastern United States, from Florida to Texas and north to New Jersey and Illinois. It is suitable for gardens in USDA Hardiness Zones 5 to 9.
What does Itea look like?
Itea plants have medium green leaves up to 4 inches (10 cm.) long, turning shades of yellow, orange, red, and mahogany in the fall. The Itea spreads by underground runners, which may be blocked to control the spread of the pleasing native Itea bush.
Is Itea fast growing?
Itea is Virginia sweetspire. Yes, it can be a pretty fast grower and I’d said it depends on your soil conditions. If it is in a moist spot, it will grow faster and sucker more. There are also different cultivars and they grow at different rates than the species, especially if you get a dwarf like “Little Henry”.
How do you take care of Itea?
ITEA CARE & MAINTENANCE Generally not required unless you want to maintain an attractive shape or remove dead or damaged branches. Like rhododendron shrubs, sweetspire develops flowers on old wood, so prune your plants in early summer shortly after flowering to prevent the removal of next year’s flower buds.
Is Itea virginica toxic to dogs?
A: Two safe bets are Itea virginica (Virginia sweetspire) and Hydrangea quercifolia (oakleaf hydrangea). Both of these blooming shrubs are hardy varieties that are not poisonous to dogs and can survive in many environments.
Is sweetspire fragrant?
Blooms begin to appear in the early summer. The white blooms are paired with lovely green foliage. It is highly fragrant. This perennial has a height and spread of twenty-four to thirty-six inches.
Is Itea invasive?
It is extremely invasive and is surrounding and choking out my other plants.
When should I trim my Itea?
If needed, prune these early summer flowering shrubs soon after they have bloomed. Prune the plant to improve the shape and reduce its size but, be careful not to remove more than 30% of the top growth.
How tall does Itea get?
Virginia sweetspire is a mound-shaped, slender-branched, deciduous shrub to 8 ft. Small, white flowers bloom in 4 in. spires that droop with the arching branches.
When should I fertilize Itea?
This method of fertilization should only be done once a year, and is best done in late fall after leaf drop, or in early spring before bud break. Liquid fertilizers (such as Miracle Gro) are mixed with water and applied the same as you would water the plant (see product for specific details).