View Larger Virginia Sweetspire

Planted at Mount Vernon

Planted at Mount Vernon Upper Garden

  • Upper Garden

  • Hardiness Zones

    5 5 6 6b 7 7b 8 8b 9 9b USDA basemap

    Average annual extreme minimum temperature 1976-2005

    map legend 5 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a 8b 9a 9b

    This semi-evergreen shrub is native to wetland areas and has an arching habit. Fragrant white flowers appear in summer followed by beautiful maroon foliage in autumn.

    Latin Name

    Itea virginica


    Family

    Iteaceae


    Also Known As

    Virginia Willow , Tasselwhite


    Type of Plant

    Shrubs Shrubs

    Bloom Season

    June - July


    Seasons

    Spring Spring
    Fall Fall
    Summer Summer

    Specifications

    Max height Max Height: 5'
    Max spread Max Spread: 5'

    Uses

  • Rain Garden

  • Sunlight Exposure

    Full Sun Full Sun
    Part Shade Part Shade
    Full Shade Full Shade

    Tolerances

  • Heavy Shade
  • Erosion
  • Clay Soil
  • Wet Soil
  • Deer

  • Colors


    Native Range

    Eastern North America


    History

    George Washington ordered several Virginia sweetspires from John Bartram in 1792.


    Other Details

    Pollinator Pollinator

    Bartlett Tree Expert Company has been working with Mount Vernon Estate since 2011 providing expert arboricultural care and GPS mapping for the estate’s historic trees, as well as support from their research facility.   Mount Vernon is proud to partner with Bartlett Tree Experts and appreciates their sponsorship of George Washington’s Mount Vernon Plant Finder App.

    Bring Washington's Garden Home

    Purchase our historic seeds, collected from plants grown at Mount Vernon and plant them in your own garden.

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