Professional Growing Information I planted two of the LIttle Henry shrubs in a western exposure that gets afternoon sun and heat. It is a lovely shrub and is doing well (I make sure that it gets enough water, especially during this year's drought) except that it has chlorosis. In spite of the information that says it is not picky about pH conditions, it needs iron to do well in SE Wisconsin, where we have lime based soil. I am adding an iron product to the soil and hope that it improves the health of the plants.
Little Henry® Sweetspire Itea virginica
Exposure
- Full Shade
- Part Shade to Shade
- Part Sun to Sun
- Sun
- Sun or Shade
The optimum amount of sun or shade each plant needs to thrive: Full Sun (6+ hours), Part Sun (4-6 hours), Full Shade (up to 4 hours).
Flower Season
- Fall
Mature Size
Height
2' - 3'
Spread
2' - 3'
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Details
Features
As colorful as burning bush, but native to North America and pollinator friendly!
Little Henry is a useful native plant with lots of potential for the home landscape. It prefers moist soils and will tolerate wet conditions. It will grow in full sun to full shade, and requires little pruning or other maintenance. 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 'Henry's Garnet'. It is also a delightful addition to the mixed border. Then when you're not expecting anything more, green summer foliage changes to a brilliant multitude of oranges and reds in the fall, making Little Henry a rewarding experience through out all seasons.
Fragrant FlowerFall InterestDrought TolerantErosion ControlBog PlantAttracts:BeesButterfliesResists:DeerNative to North AmericaSmall or MiniatureCharacteristics
Plant Type:ShrubShrub Type:DeciduousHeight Category:TallGarden Height:24 - 36 InchesSpacing:36 - 44 InchesSpread:24 - 36 InchesFlower Colors:WhiteFlower Shade:WhiteFoliage Colors:GreenFoliage Shade:GreenHabit:MoundedContainer Role:ThrillerPlant Needs
Light Requirement:Full ShadeLight Requirement:Part Shade to ShadeLight Requirement:Part Sun to SunLight Requirement:SunLight Requirement:Sun or ShadeMaintenance Category:EasyBlooms On:Old WoodBloom Time:Early SummerHardiness Zones:5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9bWater Category:AverageUses:ContainerUses:LandscapeUses 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 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.
Little Henry® Itea virginica 'Sprich' USPP 10,988 -
46 Reviews
5194103321014Browse reviews from people who have grown this plant.-
Linda, Wisconsin, United States, 14 weeks ago
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This little shrub started out as well-behaved. We needed something with a compact profile at the end of our driveway that would not obstruct our views to pull out onto the road. This is only their 2nd Spring but to our dismay we discovered many many root-based shoots coming from the main plant. We got these from a local nursery who we had contracted to re-do the space. But this is not what we wanted, were aware of, or warned about. We have 6 of them which now need to be removed because we feel that it is too invasive.
MJ, Pennsylvania, United States, 20 weeks ago -
I'll never know how great these plants look because the deer mowed them down every year and eventually killed them. These are most definitely NOT deer resistant to the deer of NE Ohio - you're warned! :-)
Midwest Chick, Ohio, United States, 23 weeks ago -
Best all around shrub in my opinion. Does well in sun or shade, dry or wet soil, all types of soil (normal, clay or sandy) & nice red fall color! Also only grows to 3 feet tall and 3 feet wide, so it can be placed in almost any corner of the landscape without overcrowding other plants! What is not to love???
Jeffrey Doerrman, South Carolina, United States, 1 year ago -
I bought 2 Itea quart-size in 2015 when we first moved to our house, located on a windy mountain, zone 6, and on heavy, wet Virginia clay. They were both planted on a small slope, with sun until early afternoon, and have been absolutely great the entire time. No problems, no diseases, not fussy at all and both have grown to 3'x3' with plenty of flowers and great Fall color. If I had more room in the garden I'd definitely buy more.
Deca, Virginia, United States, 2 years ago -
I just planted it this season so I will have to update my review on its performance once it is established. But OH MY WORD! The fall color on this plant is brilliant. Orange, green and red leaves all at once. I admire it daily as I walk past it and it feels like it is different every day. I would re-purchase based on the fall interest alone. I plan to buy at least three more.
Sarah-Beth roach, California, United States, 2 years ago -
I just planted it this season so I will have to update my review on its performance once it is established. But OH MY WORD! The fall color on this plant is brilliant. Orange, green and red leaves all at once. I admire it daily as I walk past it and it feels like it is different every day. I would re-purchase based on the fall interest alone. I plan to buy at least three more.
Sarah-Beth roach, California, United States, 2 years ago -
I love the look of this plant. It is a standout in the garden. I purchased mine toward the end of the year. I have very good soil at my home. I am in zone 5a. It was not a harsh winter but it did not survive the winter. I would consider trying it again because we all know sometimes it is a hit or miss in terms of plants surviving.
Melissa Spino, Michigan, United States, 3 years ago -
Was delivered healthy and packaged very well. I've seen some new growth in the month or so since planted. I'm starting to see some of the red fall color!
Trisha, North Carolina, United States, 4 years ago -
Planted Little Henry last fall. Had beautiful red Foliage until first hard frost. This year Henry Is blooming and starting to increase in Size. He's planted in a alkaline soil with some shade. I'm in zone 5, mid Missouri. I've bought 2 more to put a nice arc around my Bed.
Arlene Stayton, Missouri, United States, 5 years ago
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