Old School

New things are exciting! And they often get extra attention, like that new pair of shoes you refuse to wear on a rainy day or that brand-new couch you hide under a couch cover so the dogs don’t get it dirty (this one is a current situation for me). There is no denying that new things are great! This includes plants. The last couple of shrubs I’ve told you about are new and exciting, but today I want to tell you about a bit of an older one. Don’t worry; this plant is equally fun and exciting! 

Reign Over Rain Gardens

This dwarf native is a useful and versatile shrub, perfect for smaller gardens, foundation plantings, mixed borders, mass plantings, or even rain gardens. I’m talking about Little Henry® Sweetspire. 

Not only does Little Henry® boast beautiful fragrant white flowers that pollinators and humans love in the summer, but it also has amazing vibrant red-orange foliage in the fall. 

Little Henry® Itea virginica is a dwarf form of native sweetspire. While the species typically grow to around 4’ tall, Little Henry® is just 2-3’ tall and wide, making it an excellent choice for those limited in space or even those looking for a brilliant container plant. 

Sweetspire is one of the most shade-tolerant flowering shrubs, growing in full sun to full shade, though the flowering and fall color is best with a little bit of sun. 

Did I mention this is a great shrub for rain gardens? Little Henry® thrives in moist to wet soils! It is hardy in USDA Zones 5-9. 

You can also check out our other sweetspire below: Scentlandia® (left) and Fizzy Mizzy® (right)

Have a great weekend!