Little Henry® Sweetspire

Little Henry® sweetspire is the compact selection *Itea virginica* ‘Sprich’, a deciduous North American shrub grown for scented white flower spikes and vivid fall foliage. It forms a tidy, rounded mound about 2–3 feet tall and wide, bringing flowers in early summer and orange to red leaves later in the year. ## Landscape use Place it in a mixed or woodland border, foundation bed, or group planting where its modest size can repeat without overwhelming neighboring plants. The flowers are lightly fragrant and attract pollinators. Proven Winners lists the selection for USDA zones 5–8 and for full sun through full shade; flowering and autumn color are generally strongest with some direct sun. ## Growing conditions Sweetspire prefers moist soil and tolerates wet sites, so it can suit a rain garden edge or other damp planting. Keep it watered while establishing, then monitor during extended dry spells. Its mature spread is about 2–3 feet; allow room for a naturally rounded form. ## Identity The exact selection name is ‘Sprich’; U.S. Plant Patent 10,988 was published June 29, 1999. The patent document identifies this cultivar, and its publication date; the profile does not assess present legal status. See [Proven Winners’ Little Henry plant page](https://www.provenwinners.com/plants/itea/little-henry-sweetspire-itea-virginica) and the [patent record](https://patents.google.com/patent/USPP10988P/en). ## Maintenance Prune after flowering only if shaping is needed. In colder areas, wait until new spring growth shows before removing winter-damaged stems.