Little Henry Virginia Sweetspire

Little Henry Virginia Sweetspire (Itea virginica 'Little Henry')

Little Henry Virginia Sweetspire (Itea virginica 'Little Henry') is a compact, deciduous native shrub valued for its fragrant white flowers, vivid fall color, and low-maintenance adaptability. A dwarf form of the species, this cultivar brings four-season appeal to smaller landscapes with its refined habit, pollinator-friendly blooms, and reliable autumn brilliance.

Distinctive Features

'Little Henry' matures at just 2 to 3 feet tall and spreads to 3 to 4 feet wide, forming a uniform mound. In late spring to early summer, it produces gently arching white flower spikes that are lightly fragrant and attract bees and butterflies. As the season shifts, the green foliage transforms into fiery shades of red, orange, and burgundy, extending visual interest well into fall. Its suckering growth allows it to naturalize gracefully without becoming invasive.

Growing Conditions

• Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
• Soil: Moist, well-drained, slightly acidic soil
• Water: Moderate; tolerates wet soils and occasional flooding
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 5�9

Ideal Uses

• Focal Point: Dense habit and vibrant fall color stand out in foundation beds and borders
• Pollinator Gardens: Early summer blooms support beneficial insects
• Mass Plantings: Works well in grouped plantings for groundcover or low hedging
• Rain Gardens: Tolerates wet conditions and aids in stormwater control
• Woodland Edges: A natural fit for native plantings and understory layers

Low Maintenance Care

• Watering: Keep soil consistently moist during the first year; more tolerant once established
• Pruning: Prune after flowering if needed to maintain shape
• Fertilizing: Apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring
• Mulching: Helps retain moisture and suppress weeds
• Deer Resistance: Generally avoided by deer

Why Choose Little Henry Virginia Sweetspire?

• Dwarf Size: Compact growth fits easily into smaller landscape spaces
• Multi-Season Interest: Offers blooms, clean summer foliage, and bold fall color
• Pollinator-Friendly: Supports bees and butterflies
• Native Performance: Thrives in a wide range of soil and light conditions
• Focal Point: A vibrant, easy-care shrub with standout seasonal transitions

Itea virginica 'Little Henry' delivers dependable color, habitat value, and low-maintenance beauty in a tidy package�ideal for today's gardens focused on sustainability, structure, and year-round appeal.