It can tolerate a variety of conditions and is deer resistant. This North American native is drought tolerant and brings pollinators to your landscape! The foliage of the Little Henry Sweetspire is stunning. It is a bright green in the spring and summer and turns orange and red in the fall.

Is Virginia sweetspire invasive?

A. The native Virginia sweetspire (Itea virginica) is often suggested as an alternative to burning bush (Euonymus alata), even though sweetspire can be invasive in the South. But your garden is near this plant’s northern limit, so it is unlikely to get away.

Is Virginia sweetspire 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.

Does Virginia sweetspire attract bees?

Back in 2012 for our publication on plants that thrive in East Tennessee, I wrote “A versatile and multi-faceted shrub, Virginia sweetspire will satisfy many gardeners’ needs, tolerating wet or dry soils and full sun or shade conditions.” Let’s add to that description: Virginia sweetspire is considered a native here in …

Do deer like junipers?

It sounds like a variety of upright juniper may be the plant you’re looking for. You’re right, while deer will eat nearly everything if they are hungry enough. Junipers, unlike arborvitae, have a good track record of deer resistance. Upright forms offer beauty, screening and low maintenance within a small footprint.

What does Virginia sweetspire look like?

Virginia sweetspire is a deciduous shrub with arching stems and alternate simple leaves that are oval in shape and dark green in color. It has a long period of good autumn color with leaves that turn shades of red, orange, and gold.

Is Virginia sweetspire toxic to cats?

Which flowering shrubs are good in shade and won’t harm my pet? 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.

What do you need to know about Virginia sweetspire?

Because of its suckering habit, sweetspire is useful for erosion control, particularly near streams or moist areas. However, once established, this is a very drought tolerant plant. It will grow well in USDA zones 6 to 9. Virginia sweetspire is considered deer resistant. Sweetspire has no significant pests or diseases.

How tall does a Virginia sweetspire plant get?

Virginia Sweetspire 1 Height/Spread. Sweetspire usually grows three to five feet tall, although it may be taller and leggier in moist or shaded areas. 2 Growth Rate. Sweetspire transplants easily from containers. 3 Ornamental Features. 4 Landscape Use. 5 Problems. 6 Propagation. 7 Cultivars. 8 Related Species. …

What should the soil pH be for Virginia sweetspire?

Depending on how you use it in the landscape, the suckering nature of this plant can be viewed as either a positive or a negative attribute. Virginia sweetspire is a low-maintenance shrub recommended for medium acid soils with a pH of 5.0 to 6.5 and above.

Are there any plants that are deer proof?

Realizing that no plant is deer proof, plants in the Rarely Damaged, and Seldom Severely Damaged categories would be best for landscapes prone to deer damage. Plants Occasionally Severely Damaged and Frequently Severely Damaged are often preferred by deer and should only be planted with additional protection…