Itea virginica ‘Longspire’

Flower Details: Itea virginica "Longspire" produces long, arching racemes of small, fragrant white flowers in late spring to early summer. The flowers are highly attractive to pollinators like bees and butterflies. The racemes can be up to 8 inches long, giving the plant its "Longspire" name and creating a graceful, elegant appearance in the garden.

Foliage Details: The foliage is dark green and elliptical with a slightly glossy finish. In the fall, the leaves turn stunning shades of red, orange, and purple, providing a brilliant display that often lasts well into the fall season, adding beauty to the garden before the leaves drop for winter.

Light: Itea virginica "Longspire" thrives in full sun to partial shade. Full sun encourages the best flower production and fall foliage color, though it can tolerate shade, especially in hotter climates.

Soil: Prefers moist, well-drained soil but is adaptable to a variety of soil types, including clay, loam, and sandy soils. It is particularly well-suited for wet areas and can even handle periodic flooding, making it a good choice for rain gardens or along stream banks.

Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during the plant’s establishment phase. While it can tolerate occasional dry spells, regular watering ensures optimal growth and flowering.

Pruning: Prune after flowering if needed to control shape and size. It responds well to pruning and can be shaped to suit your landscape design.

Fertilization: A balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring promotes healthy growth and robust flowering.

Pests/Diseases: It is generally pest and disease-resistant, though minor issues with aphids or mildew may occasionally occur in overly humid conditions.

Winter Care: Hardy in USDA zones 5-9, no special winter care is typically required, but applying mulch in colder regions can help protect the roots.