Fountains of Rouge Virginia Sweetspire

Fountains of Rouge Virginia Sweetspire (Itea virginica 'Fountains of Rouge')

Fountains of Rouge Virginia Sweetspire (Itea virginica 'Fountains of Rouge') is a gracefully arching deciduous shrub celebrated for its cascading flower display and vibrant fall foliage. This native cultivar features long, white bottlebrush blooms in early summer and brilliant red-to-purple autumn color, making it a dynamic focal point across multiple seasons. Its fountain-like form and adaptability make it a standout in borders, naturalized plantings, and woodland gardens.

Distinctive Features

'Fountains of Rouge' grows 3 to 4 feet tall and 4 to 6 feet wide with a weeping, layered habit that gives it movement and softness in the landscape. Creamy white flowers appear in early summer on arching stems, attracting pollinators and adding texture. As the season shifts, foliage transforms into deep crimson and burgundy tones, delivering one of the best fall color displays among sweetspire cultivars.

Growing Conditions

• Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
• Soil: Moist, well-drained, slightly acidic soil
• Water: Moderate; thrives in moist conditions and tolerates brief flooding
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 5�9

Ideal Uses

• Focal Point: Fountain-like form and vivid fall color provide strong visual interest
• Woodland Gardens: Native habit fits naturally along shaded edges and under canopy trees
• Pollinator Gardens: Summer blooms attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects
• Mass Plantings: Cascading habit adds texture and softness when used in groups
• Rain Gardens: Tolerates wet conditions and supports stormwater management

Low Maintenance Care

• Watering: Maintain consistent moisture, especially in sunny sites
• Pruning: Prune lightly after flowering to shape or rejuvenate if needed
• Fertilizing: Apply a general-purpose fertilizer in early spring
• Mulching: Helps retain soil moisture and improves root development
• Deer Resistance: Rarely browsed by deer

Why Choose Fountains of Rouge Virginia Sweetspire?

• Graceful Form: Weeping habit adds elegant movement to planting designs
• Showy Blooms: Arching white flower spikes enhance early summer interest
• Outstanding Fall Color: Brilliant red foliage provides a dramatic autumn show
• Native and Adaptable: Supports pollinators and performs well in a range of soils
• Focal Point: Combines multi-season interest with architectural flow and softness

Itea virginica 'Fountains of Rouge' brings together native durability, flowing form, and vivid seasonal color�an ideal choice for gardeners seeking movement, habitat value, and standout fall foliage in a low-maintenance shrub.