Does Sweetspire lose its leaves in winter?
Virginia sweetspire (Itea virginica), a native shrub, provides landscape interest across the seasons. Although it is deciduous, sweetspire holds onto its leaves until well into winter. No insects or diseases cause serious harm to the plant, but physiological disorders or improper care can bring problems.
Does Sweetspire grow in shade?
Virginia sweetspire (Itea virginica) is one of the most brilliant shrubs of the fall garden. Virginia sweetspire will grow well in either sun or shade, although it is most attractive where it receives at least 6 hours of sun.
When should I plant Sweetspire?
In shade, Virginia sweetspire may grow taller and leggier and will not flower as prolifically, nor will its fall foliage colors be as vivid. Virginia sweetspire is easy to propagate. Stem cuttings, taken between May and September, root in about four weeks. Autumn is the best time to start a new plant by root division.
How do you prune sweet spire?
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 do you prune a sweetspire?
So if you cut sweetspires back hard in late fall, over winter or very early in the spring, you’ll cut off the flower buds. The best time to prune sweetspires is right after they flower in late spring. They can be whacked back even to ankle high then if you’re trying to keep them as compact as possible.
Do bees like Sweetspire?
Long tassles of small, white flowers bloom in spires all spring from arching branches on the native Virginia sweetspire shrub. Bees love them! The fragrant white flowers of Virginia sweetspire attract butterflies and other pollinators and the foliage provides cover for birds and other wildlife.
Is Sweetspire native to PA?
Its adaptability, beauty, and high wildlife value make Sweetspire one of the most popular native shrubs out there.
How do you care for Ginger Ninebark?
Plant Needs With its naturally graceful, arching habit, ninebarks are best left unpruned. Take its relatively large size into account when siting this plant. It makes an especially nice backdrop for other plantings. Plant in full sun for the best looks and performance.
Is my Sweetspire dead?
These bloom on old wood, meaning the flowers open from buds formed the fall before. Any buds on that wood will be dead, so if your plants come out of winter with obviously dead tips that don’t leaf out, it’s OK to lightly shear off that wood for neatening purposes. If size is good, no need to prune sweetspires at all.
What kind of foliage does Itea sweetspire have?
The moderately growing Itea plant takes an erect form with arching branches. Although it is one of few shrubs that live in wet soil, the Itea bush is also drought tolerant. Attractive, reddish, autumn foliage makes the Itea sweetspire an excellent part of the fall display.
What are the colors of the sweetspire tree?
In June and July, sweetspire bears lovely spikes of fragrant, white blossoms. Then, fall foliage color ranges from scarlet to maroon to orange to gold, or a blend of two or more hues.
Why are the leaves on my sweetspire tree turning green?
Leaf Problems Sweetspire tends to develop chlorosis in alkaline soils, where the pH rises above 7.0. This physiological disorder results in the loss of green color in the foliage due to a lack of chlorophyll. In milder cases, the normally medium-green sweetspire leaf tissue pales to only a lime-green shade.
Are there any problems with the Virginia sweetspire plant?
Although it is deciduous, sweetspire holds onto its leaves until well into winter. No insects or diseases cause serious harm to the plant, but physiological disorders or improper care can bring problems. Besides its summer fragrance and fall beauty, Virginia sweetspire draws bees and butterflies to the garden.