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Itea virginica 'Merlot'
Common Name:
Sweetspire
Plant Type:
Deciduous shrub
Family:
Grossulariaceae (The Gooseberry Family)
Geographic Origin:
Eastern United States
California Native?:
No
Sweetspire
Plant Type:
Deciduous shrub
Family:
Grossulariaceae (The Gooseberry Family)
Geographic Origin:
Eastern United States
California Native?:
No
Plant Size:
3-4 feet
Landscape/Garden Uses:
Mixed plantings
Flowering Season:
Summer
3-4 feet
Landscape/Garden Uses:
Mixed plantings
Flowering Season:
Summer
Flower Color:
White
Exposure:
Sun or light shade
Soils:
Most soils
White
Exposure:
Sun or light shade
Soils:
Most soils
Suggested Irrigation:
Moderate watering
Estimated Hardiness:
Hardy to 0 degrees F. or less
Moderate watering
Estimated Hardiness:
Hardy to 0 degrees F. or less
Selected for more compact habit and good fall color, this sweetspire is round to upright-oval in form and closely branched, growing about 4 feet high. The leaves are broadly oval and pointed, with a neat, feather-like pattern of veins. They are bright green and shiny on both surfaces, tinged with red in new growth and combining wild reds and purples for several weeks before dropping in fall or early winter. The flower clusters are relatively short and spreading. Each carries dozens of tiny fragrant white flowers in midsummer. It thrives in sun or shade and is hardy to 0 degrees F. or less.