Virginia Sweetspire 'Henry's Garnet'

Itea virginica "Henry's Garnet"

$23.00 Sold out

1 Gallon | Hardiness Zones 5-9

This now popular and widely grown selection of our native deciduous Sweetspire or Virginia Willow was first offered by Woolanders in 1985 as "Selected Form". We had propagated it from a plant obtained from the Henry Foundation in Gladwyne, Pennsylvania. It had been grown there for many years since first collected somewhere in Georgia by pioneer native plant enthusiast Mary Henry. It has 6 inch long white racemes of flowers typical of Itea virginica but is free flowering and has deep maroon to purple fall color. Its fall color and/or the school's color inspired the name 'Henry's Garnet' subsequently given it at Scott Arboretum of Swarthmore College. A fine native shrub for moist soil in the garden bed or border .
Plant Specs
  • Zones: 5 - 9
  • Sun: Full Sun and Part Shade
  • Soil: Well-drained and Moist
  • Height at Maturity: 4 - 6 Feet
  • Spread at Maturity: 4 - 6 Feet
  • Growth Rate: Moderate

Deciduous
Flower/Foliage

Flower Details: Itea virginica "Henry's Garnet" produces long, fragrant racemes of small white flowers in late spring to early summer. These delicate, drooping clusters can reach up to 6 inches in length and are highly attractive to pollinators, including bees and butterflies.

Foliage Details: The foliage is deep green and elliptic with finely serrated edges. In the fall, "Henry's Garnet" truly shines, as the leaves turn a brilliant garnet red, often lasting deep into the season before they drop. This vibrant fall color makes it a standout in the landscape, offering multi-season interest.

white, fragrant, May - June
Care Info

Read full care instruction manual here.

Light: This cultivar thrives in full sun to partial shade. While it can tolerate shade, the best flowering and fall foliage color will be achieved in full sun.

Soil: Prefers moist, well-drained, acidic to neutral soil. It can tolerate wet conditions, making it suitable for rain gardens or near water features, but ensure good drainage to prevent root rot.

Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist, especially in the early stages of growth. This plant is relatively drought-tolerant once established but will perform better with regular watering.

Pruning: Prune immediately after flowering if shaping is needed. It responds well to pruning and can be trimmed to maintain a desired size or shape.

Fertilization: A balanced, slow-release fertilizer applied in early spring will promote healthy growth and vibrant foliage.

Pests/Diseases: Generally pest-free and disease-resistant. It may occasionally experience aphid issues, but these are rarely severe.

Winter Care: Hardy in USDA zones 5-9. No special winter care is needed, but applying mulch can help protect the roots in colder climates.

Pickup currently unavailable at Aiken Nursery

Grown in Aiken, South Carolina

At Woodlanders, we are committed to quality.

All our plant material is carefully propagated, grown, and nurtured at our humble nursery in Aiken, South Carolina.

Learn more about Woodlanders here.

Here’s a closer look at how we produce our plants:
from rooting to shipping, our top priority is ensuring you receive healthy, thriving plants for your garden’s success.

The majority of our plants are carefully cultivated from rooted cuttings, while we also utilize propagation methods such as seed, air layering, and grafting, thoughtfully chosen to suit each plant’s unique needs.

Our plants are cultivated using sustainable practices, including organic soil blends and eco-friendly pest management, ensuring they thrive while minimizing environmental impact.

We are proud to contribute to local biodiversity through ongoing donations to the Aiken Arboretum and support for local wildlife conservation efforts, helping to preserve and enhance our community’s natural ecosystems.

Plant Success Tip #1

Unpack Promptly

Carefully unpack your plant as soon as it arrives. Check the roots and soil to ensure they are still moist. If the roots feel dry, lightly mist or water them before proceeding with planting or temporary storage.

Plant Success Tip #2

Acclimate Your Plant

Allow your plant to adjust to its new environment by placing it in a sheltered spot for a day or two before planting, especially if it has traveled a long distance. Avoid exposing it to extreme temperatures right away.

Plant Success Tip #3

Follow Planting and Care Instructions

Plant your new arrival as soon as possible, following the specific care guidelines provided. If planting outdoors isn’t immediately possible, temporarily pot it in well-draining soil to maintain health until conditions are suitable.

Read Care Instructions

Frequently Asked Questions

What to expect upon delivery

All our plants are sold in 1-gallon sizes, though the height of each plant can vary depending on its growth rate and seasonality, typically ranging from 1/2 to 2.5 feet.

Each plant is carefully packaged with its roots enclosed in a secure plastic bag containing moist soil, forming a compact root ball. To ensure safe transport, the box is padded with recycled newspaper, providing both stability and eco-friendly protection from weather during shipping.
What is your return policy?

Review our full return policy information on our SHIPPING AND RETURNS POLICY page.
What payment methods can I use?

We offer 35 different payment methods including major providers like Mastercard, Visa, PayPal, American Express and Diners as well as many different local payment methods including Klarna, iDEAL, AliPay, Sofort, giropay, and many more.
Can I make changes to my order after it’s been placed?

At Woodlanders, we strive to fulfill orders as quickly as possible. Therefore, we can only accommodate changes to your order within the first 24 hours after it has been placed. These changes include adding or removing products and modifying the delivery address. If you need to make any changes or if there has been a mistake with your order information, please reach out to us promptly via our CONTACT page with your order number for the quickest resolution.

Your satisfaction is our priority, and we appreciate your understanding and cooperation.