Itea – Little Henry^® – Sweetspire – Itea virginica

Attracts: Butterflies

Resists: Deer

Bog Plant

Drought Tolerant

Erosion Control

Fragrant Flower

Native to North America

Fall Interest

Small / Miniature

Maintenance Notes

Thrives in moist, wet areas, but once established, can tolerate dry conditions. Not fussy about soil pH. Will grow in shade, but flowering and fall color improves when the plant gets at least some sun each day. 

May be pruned after blooming if required. In colder areas, sweetspire may experience a bit of weather damage coming out of winter, so prune any dead wood out after new growth has begun. 

If desired, fertilize in spring with a granular fertilizer formulated for trees and shrubs, like a rose fertilizer.

Uses Notes

Great for grouping and for massing on large banks, in beds, and perennial and shrub borders. This is a good plant for woodland gardens or at the front of the mixed border. Its small size makes it perfect for smaller borders and beds.

Maintenance Category Easy

Water Category Average

Blooms On Old Wood

Bloom Time

Flower Form Container, Landscape

pH B - pH 5.8 - 6.2

EC (2:1 Extraction Method) 0.6 - 1.5

Fertilization 150 - 300

Light Requirements Medium, High

Water Requirements Moderate to Moist

Rooting Out Temperature 65 - 72° Fahrenheit

Growing On Temperature 60 - 65° Fahrenheit

Holding Temperature 40 - 50° Fahrenheit

Planting and Timing Information
Summer to Fall Finish, 1 ppp

Pinching and Growth Regulators
Frequent light pruning will produce a full bodied habit, similar to producing a Spiraea like mounding container.

Pest and Disease Management
Watch for Aphids and treat as necessary.

Grower Tips
Little Henry has lightly scented, pure white flowers that shoot like fireworks in the early summer horizon. Its mounded, compact stature makes it an improvement over older varieties such as the old favorite Henrys Garnet. Best targeted for summer and fall sales due to great fall foliage color. Best if planted in moist, wet areas. Once established they will become drought tolerant. Adaptable to a range of pH. Best if pruned immediately after blooming. High moisture, native to swampy and boggy areas. Fertilize in early spring by applying a slow release fertilizer specialized for trees and shrubs. Follow the label for recommended rate of application. Fall color will be more pronounced in full sun.