Botanical profile

Itea virginica 'Henry's Garnet'

Latin name
Itea virginica 'Henry's Garnet'
Common name
Virginia Sweetspire 'Henry's Garnet'
Type
Ornamental shrub
Family
Iteaceae

Itea virginica 'Henry's Garnet' is a highly prized native ornamental shrub, cherished for its graceful blossoms and especially for its spectacular autumn coloration. This variety is distinguished by its long, arching flower spikes composed of small, delicately fragrant creamy-white flowers, appearing in early summer and attracting numerous pollinators. Its general habit is rounded, dense, and slightly spreading, often wider than tall, making it an excellent choice for naturalistic beds, underplanting, and moist areas of the garden. The dark green, glossy, and elegant deciduous foliage transforms in autumn into superb deep garnet-red hues, offering significant ornamental interest late in the season. Highly tolerant of moist soils and light shade, 'Henry's Garnet' is renowned for its robustness, ease of cultivation, and great ecological value, particularly for pollinating wildlife.

Care guide

Growing conditions

Light, soil, water and hardiness

Hardiness zone
Zone 4
Exposure
Sun to partial shade
Watering
Moderate to high
Fertilization
Weak, compost as needed
Soil type
Acidic, fresh to moist, well-drained
Minimum temperature
-35°C
Plant appearance

Blooming, foliage and shape

Blooming period
Summer
Flower color
Creamy white
Fruiting
Small, inconspicuous capsules with no ornamental value
Foliage color
Dark green turning garnet red in autumn
Foliage type
Obsolete
Shape
Rounded, dense, spreading shrub
Garden structure

Size and growth

Height
1.5–2 m (5–6.5 ft)
Width
5–8 ft (1.5–2.5 m)
Growth rate
Moderate
Pet friendly
Safe for pets

Pets

Pollinators
Attracts or supports pollinating insects

Pollinators

Butterflies
Plants that attract butterflies

Butterflies

The availability of our plants varies depending on arrivals, seasons, nursery production and supplier availability. Some varieties may be offered for a limited time only, depending on their natural cycle or current stock. These plant profiles are designed to guide and inspire you when choosing plants for the garden, landscaping projects, containers or long-lasting outdoor arrangements.