Fountains of Rouge Virginia Sweetspire

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

Fountains of Rouge Virginia Sweetspire is a compact native shrub that brings sweet fragrance and clean white flower spikes when the garden shifts into summer. It is also known as Virginia Sweetspire, and it is a strong choice for moisture-retentive soils where many shrubs struggle. The dense habit makes borders and foundations look finished with minimal effort, and the blooms support pollinators at an active time of year. As nights cool, the foliage turns a rich red, giving you a long, satisfying fall finish.

Distinctive Features

This selection is valued for its deep green, leathery foliage and a dense, upright to outwardly spreading habit that stays fuller than many older sweetspires. In late spring to early summer, it produces fragrant white flowers on long racemes that add a bright, fountain-like effect above the leaves. After bloom, seed capsules can form and add subtle texture later in the season. Fall color is a standout feature, with foliage commonly shifting to strong red tones, especially with good sun exposure.

Growing Conditions

• Sun: Full sun to part shade, with best flowering and fall color in brighter light.
• Soil: Moist, well-drained soil is ideal, and it tolerates heavier soils and periodic wetness.
• Water: Medium to wet moisture, and it performs best when soil stays evenly moist.
• USDA Zones: 5 to 9.
• Mature Size: About 3 to 4 feet tall and 4 to 5 feet wide.
• Habit: Compact, dense, upright to outwardly spreading shrub with potential to slowly sucker over time.

Ideal Uses

• Rain Gardens: Plant where soils stay consistently moist for reliable growth and strong seasonal color.
• Moist Borders: Use along low spots and downspouts where other shrubs struggle with wet feet.
• Foundation Planting: Place where a dense, medium-sized shrub can provide structure and seasonal interest.
• Pollinator Planting: Add to mixed borders to support bees and butterflies during bloom.
• Focal Point: Site near a walkway or patio so the fragrant white flower wands and red fall color become the main seasonal moment.
• Mass Planting: Repeat in groups to create a cohesive drift with a strong fall color payoff.

Low Maintenance Care

• Mulching: Mulch to hold moisture and keep roots cool, especially in sunnier sites.
• Pruning: Prune right after flowering to maintain shape, since blooms form on older wood.
• Watering: Water during dry spells, particularly in the first one to two seasons and in full sun.
• Spreading: Remove suckers if you want a tighter outline, or leave them to broaden the planting naturally.
• Soil Support: Add organic matter if soil is thin or sandy to improve moisture retention and overall vigor.

Why Choose Fountains of Rouge Virginia Sweetspire?

• Fragrant White Blooms: Long racemes add a bright summer display with noticeable scent.
• Top-Tier Fall Color: Foliage turns strong red for an extended late-season show.
• Moist-Soil Strength: Handles damp conditions that challenge many other landscape shrubs.
• Dense Habit: Full, bushy growth makes it look finished in borders and foundations.
• Pollinator Value: Flowers support beneficial insects during an active season.
• Native Adaptability: Fits naturalistic plantings while still looking polished in more formal designs.

Fountains of Rouge Virginia Sweetspire shines when it has steady moisture and enough light to bring out its bloom and fall color. Give it sun to part shade and moisture-holding soil, and it will reward you with fragrant white flowers, dense green foliage, and a red autumn finish that carries the planting to the end of the season.