Virginia Sweetspire

Virginia sweetspire ‘Henry’s Garnet’ is a deciduous shrub with fragrant white flower clusters and vivid orange to burgundy fall foliage. North Carolina Extension gives this cultivar a mature size of 3–5 feet tall and 4–6 feet wide, with flowering from April through June. ## Form and placement The arching, spreading branches bring a natural shape to borders, woodland edges, and rain gardens. The [North Carolina Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox profile for ‘Henry’s Garnet’](https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/itea-virginica-henrys-garnet/common-name/sweetspire/) notes that it can spread by root suckers and works well near ponds, along streams, and in mass plantings. Its fragrant flowers attract pollinators, while the fall leaves add orange and burgundy color into winter. ## Growing conditions Plant in moist, fertile soil with good drainage. It tolerates wet ground and a range of soil types, but flowers and fall color are strongest with at least four hours of sun; it also grows in partial shade. The profile lists USDA zones 6a–10b. ## Maintenance Prune soon after flowering because this shrub blooms on the previous season’s wood. Remove unwanted suckers to keep the planting within bounds, and avoid over-fertilizing.