'Little Henry' might work. To do so: Fill seeding trays or pots with moist potting mixture, and press the seeds in so they are halfway-buried. As colorful as burning bush, but native to North America and pollinator friendly! Here is a link that might be useful: Little Henry in fall Iris GW 16 years ago bogie 16 years ago erictammy Original Author 16 years ago Wow, So much info. Had beautiful red Once spring comes, you can rake it away. Sunlight is also a requirement, as these shrubs need full sun as well as slightly acidic soil to achieve the best results. If you dont want your shrubs to naturalize, simply clip away the suckers from the base of the plant to maintain a more formal appearance. Little Henry Dwarf Virginia Sweetspire - Monrovia Summersweet typically spreads to 4 to 6 feet and forms an oval shape. How to Grow and Care for Doublefile Viburnum Shrubs, How to Grow and Care for Black Lace Elderberry, How to Grow and Care for Emerald Gaiety Wintercreeper. This shrub is the rare type that divides easily by cutting its root ball into sections, thanks to its prolific suckering habit. One of its most attractive characteristics is to produce great blooms in shady locations. It was discovered in 1992 as a sport of C. alnifolia Pink Spire. Elsewhere, summersweet looks nice when grouped in planting beds or lined up as a shrub border. It is a bright green in the spring and summer and turns orange and red in the fall. It is also wet site tolerant. Its fragrant, bottlebrush flowers are a darker pink; they attract butterflies, bees, and other insects in late summer and early fall. of the member-only content library. Intensely fragrant, star-shaped florets grow into plump, exotic 2-4" wands that appear on a 4-6' bush for many weeks in mid to late summer. Pruning in the spring risks removing the flower buds. Water regularly to keep the soil moist, especially during the first growing season. Sugartina 'Crystalina' Buy now from Proven Winners. The foliage is a nice bright green in summer. A compact cultivar bearing large clusters of clove-scented white flowers that are irresistible to bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, and other pollinators. I've seen some new growth in the month or so since planted. Native to swampy woodlands and marshes, clethra flourish in wet ground and will even tolerate standing water, making them a good choice for low-lying areas of the garden. Planted Little Henry last fall. Learn tips for creating your most beautiful home and garden ever. Wandering roots and stems can easily be chopped off and transplanted. The shrub has a rounded habit and produces cylindrical drooping flowers (racemes) from late spring to mid-summer. . Here's what a colony of Virginia sweetspires should look like when not attacked by fungus or bugs. It has a long period of good autumn color with leaves that turn shades of red, orange, and gold. Summersweet thrives in moist climates, and tolerates both heat above 100 degrees Fahrenheit and freezing cold winters. When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. Locate a Sunny Spot. Some people would recommend using a fungicide to combat the leaf disease and horticultural oil or a similar scale-killing insecticide to deal with the bugs. This Sugartina has fragrant white flowers that appear by mid-summer. Though the plant can be started indoors, once a root system is established in the container, it needs to go into the ground to thrive. Problems Infrequent Genus : Clethra Zones : 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 Plant Height : 3 to 6 feet Plant Width : 3 to 6 feet Bloom Time : Early Fall, Late Summer Characteristics : Fragrant Flowers, Showy Fall Foliage Light : Full Sun to Partial Shade Tolerates full shade. Create a membership account to save your garden designs and to view them on any device. Native to the woodlands of eastern North America, it is a good choice for woodland borders. I'd hate to give up on sweetspire because it's a pretty plant when it's healthy. Merlot Virginia Sweetspire (Itea virginica 'Merlot'): Merlot sweetspire is a cultivar (cultivated variety) of Virginia sweetspire which is native to the moist partly-shaded areas of the south-eastern United States. Nice plant for an area you want to be filled in away from the house where deer are not a problem. Although these bushes are considered plants tolerant of wet groundand clay soils, they will nonetheless perform best in well-drained soils. I find the fragrance of the Clethra more dramatic but find the fall foliage of 'Little Henry' one of the best fall foliage plants. To jumpstart growth, feed in early spring with a slow-release fertilizer or an all-purpose organic plant food. Hummingbird Summersweet - Monrovia Serrate, obovate to oblong, glossy dark green leaves (to 3-4 long) turn variable but generally attractive shades of yellow to golden brown in fall. BEST SMELL,I have it at my front porch. However, I did not get any blooms this year. The shrub grows best in partial shade and a moist, slightly acid soil. Not fussy about soil pH. "Take time to smell the flowers" doesn't have to be just a clich. These shrubs are native to the eastern regions of the United States, where they can be found in woods and thickets, often in swampy areas and along streams. To form solid hedges, space plants a distance equal to their mature width. of the member-only content library. We'll see how the plants perform Spring and Summer before making a final decision on the plants. Once the roots are in place, you can move it out to the landscape. The optimum amount of sun or shade each plant needs to thrive: Full Sun (6+ hours), Part Sun (4-6 hours), Full Shade (up to 4 hours). The fall color on this plant is brilliant. The flowers aren't just longer, larger, and more fragrant than other varieties - they're also more cold tolerant, assuring a good display even in USDA zone 5 where flower buds are frequently damaged. Propagation Take greenwood cuttings in early summer. I have clethra in sun here in Georgia and it does fine and flowers heavily. Summersweet. This summersweet is a sport of C. alnifolia Pink Spires. And if I battle the scales, how would I go about it? USDA Hardiness Zones 4-9. In colder areas, sweetspire may experience a bit of weather damage coming out of winter, so prune any dead wood out after new growth has begun. This plant is best grown in full sun, part shade or full shade in average, medium to wet, slightly acid, well-drained soils. You could also divide the plants if you'd like during the move. I planted two of the LIttle Henry shrubs in a western exposure that gets afternoon sun and heat. We also wanted a smaller variety that works with any size landscape, and outstanding fall color so that the plant stays interesting beyond its bloom time. How to Take Care of Ruby Spice Summersweet - Home Guides Be inspired with our Gardener's Idea Book and Winner's Circle newsletter, Scentlandia - Sweetspire - Itea virginica. Clethra alnifolia--Summersweet, Sweet Pepperbush | Old House Web Find plants you love and create idea boards for all your projects. Noteworthy CharacteristicsA shorter cultivar selected for its sturdy branching system and large (up to 6 inches), upright, white flowering "candles". While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. Consistent moisture in well-draining soil is a must. CareProvide full sun to partial shade and fertile, preferably acidic, medium to wet soil. I am adding an iron product to the soil and hope that it improves the health of the plants. I just planted it this season so I will have to update my review on its performance once it is established. YouTubes privacy policy is available here and YouTubes terms of service is available here. Native from southern New Jersey down to Florida, it is winter hardy to Zone 5 . There is also at least one dwarf clethra available. Thrives in moist, wet areas, but once established, can tolerate dry conditions. That most likely would work, but if that's what you're going to have to do constantly to maintain a good-looking planting of sweetspires, that's when I'd give up and switch to fothergilla, summersweet, abelia, dwarf oakleaf hydrangea or another alternative. Get the latest how-to and design inspiration articles plus special offers sent straight to your inbox. Grow taller varieties as hedges or privacy screens or as a backdrop in a perennial garden. Control can be as simple as spraying the leaves (front and back) with water to knock them off, though further intervention with horticultural oils may be needed if mites are persistent. By clicking Accept All Cookies, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Houzz utilise des cookies et d'autres technologies de suivi similaires pour personnaliser mon exprience utilisateur, me proposer du contenu pertinent et amliorer ses produits et services. Easily grown in average, medium to wet soils in full sun to part shade. Summersweet prefers moist soil and even grows well in areas with standing water. Find out where you fall in the USDA Hardiness Zones database. As noted by others it depends on your preferred features. Houzz Pro: One simple solution for contractors and design pros, Its bottlebrush flowers attract bees and butterflies, while its stunning orange and scarlet foliage draws all who pass by, Personnaliser mon exprience l'aide de cookies, Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers, Outdoor Lighting & Audio/Visual Specialists, Tempe Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers, Redondo Beach Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers, Saint Louis Park Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers, Adrian Decks, Patios & Outdoor Enclosures, Bonney Lake Decks, Patios & Outdoor Enclosures, Wildomar Decks, Patios & Outdoor Enclosures, Great Design Plant: Wildlife-Loving Dwarf Fothergilla Blazes in Fall. I am a huge fan of Proven Winners and own a lot of their shrubs, perennials, and annuals, and they usually do not disappoint. Becoming a contributing member of Gardenia is easy and can be done in just a few minutes. Water seedlings as needed, then plant when they're sturdy. Browse reviews from people who have grown this plant. Prune if needed in late winter. I never pruned them at any point. bought five of them and the deer have said Thank You. Chokeberries, also known as Aronia, are multi-stemmed shrubs with white flowers, red or black glossy berries, and great red fall color. This plant is quite hardy and doesn't have any serious pests to contend with. I can grab any that pop up a foot or so away and pull them up back toward the base and clip off. Consider the hours of sunlight you wish your summersweet to receive during its growing season. 'Sixteen Candles' sweet pepperbush, or summersweet, is a newer cultivar of a popular native shrub. Any ideas?Tammy. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources. Virginia sweetspire is a deciduous shrub with arching stems and alternate simple leaves that are oval in shape and dark green in color. Virginia sweetspire is a deciduous shrub with arching stems and alternate simple leaves that are oval in shape and dark green in color. In fall, the leaves turn an attractive yellow. A profusion of fragrant white flower spikes attract butterflies. Purchased this plant in late April and over the past three months it has adapted well and had significant growth. Mature stems have scaly, dark gray to brown black bark. Use in a mixed border with other spring- and summer-blooming shrubs that like moist soils, such as. Sugartina 'Crystalina' summersweet(Clethra alnifolia)Photo by: Proven Winners. Soil: moist to wet soil; pH 4.5-6.5. Learn tips for creating your most beautiful home and garden ever. Little Henry has lightly scented, pure white flowers that shoot like fireworks in the early summer horizon. If so, and the site is suitable, maybe do a mixed planting. They will thrive in coastal areas as well because of their resistance to salt spray and brackish water. As noted by others it depends on your preferred features. Keep soil moist to wet. Plant near a patio or other outdoor living space to fully enjoy the sweet-smelling flowers. A dwarf summersweet shrub with fragrant white flowers and a dense, rounded shape. Keeping a Virginia sweetspire in a container for the first season is entirely possible. Sweetspire Itea virginica 'Merlot' is a Sweetspire with fragrant white flowers in June and has the most compact habit of our Iteas, with burgundy fall foliage. 21 Low-Maintenance Plants. Because of its versatility and modest size, summersweet bush has a multitude of uses in both formal and informal gardens. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google, Healthy Soil Is at the Heart of a Thriving Garden, Gardening Gift Ideas for Mothers Day 2023, 6 Fantastic Annuals to Grow From Seed in the Northwest, Lilacs: How to Grow Them and Favorite Varieties, Companion Planting for Successful Southern California Vegetable Gardens, Ready, Set, Spring! Get complete site access to expert advice, regional content, and more, plus the print magazine. Also may be naturalized in cottage gardens, wild gardens or naturalized areas. Then, fall. Except for fertilization and minor pruning, this plant is maintenance-free. 9. Itea is one of the most shade tolerant flowering shrubs and thrives even in wet soils, making it an excellent problem solver. Bed. It produces fragrant drooping white flowers in early summer and turns deep red in the fall. In June and July, sweetspire bears lovely spikes of fragrant, white blossoms. It prefers a slightly acidic pH but grows well in a range of soils. Some varieties are shorter than average for the species. 'Sixteen Candles' sweet pepperbush - FineGardening I'm printing it all off so I can refer to it.Tammy. PropagationTake greenwood cuttings in early summer. So, I'm only rating this plant as satisfactory. The species is native to the eastern United States. To create additional collections, you must be a paid member of our site. When planted right and in the right spot, Clethra, also called summersweet or sweet pepperbush, are very easy to grow. Sign up for a free trial and get access to ALL our regional content, plus the rest Plant in spring after the ground thaws or in early fall before it freezes. Even deer tend to leave it alone. Virginia sweetspire grows quite well in very hot conditions, provided it gets plenty of water. 20 Fragrant Flowering Plants 10 Shrubs That Smell as Good as They Look - My Garden Life Does anybody grow Moonlight in paris or tamora rose? Equally as pretty in the fall with it's bright orange foliage. Not sure which Clethra to pick?Compare All Clethra, Buy Clethra alnifolia 'Hummingbird' (Summersweet). They were both planted on a small slope, with sun until early afternoon, and have been absolutely great the entire time. Little Henry is a useful native plant with lots of potential for the home landscape. Virginia sweetspire does well during the winter, though those in colder climates might see some dieback of the tips of the shrub during the harsh cold. Also the facts that should be considered when making a choice:-itea could tolerate both, full sun and part-shade, while clethra prefer to be in a more shady locations,-fall foliage of itea is very attractive crimson-burgundy, while clethra's is yellow-bronze,-itea blooms on old wood and could be/should be pruned if necessary right after the bloom, clethra blooms on a new wood and could be/should be pruned in early spring,-itea leafs out early, while clethra stays 'naked' till May. 25 Shrubs That Like Wet Soil and Full Sun - Traditional Gardening This may sound drastic, but what I'd probably do in your case is whack back all growth to the ground and burn or get rid of the wood. I'm in zone 5, mid Missouri. ProblemsFungal dieback and root rot can occur. Plant dwarf summersweet cultivars in smaller garden beds to add structural interest and late-summer blooms. On this page: Basics | Planting | Care | Summersweet Varieties | Landscaping Ideas, Typically 3 to 8 feet tall and 4 to 6 feet wide, with the exception of dwarf varieties, Mid to late summer, with the blooms lasting 4 to 6 weeks, Glossy, dark green, and oval-shaped, with serrated margins. Additional feeding during the growing season is not necessary. It enjoys excellent resistance to insects and diseases. They can be planted immediately, or the following spring. Burning Bush is a plant quite similar to this one, though it is more susceptible to disease and pests. We sniffed dozens of different sweetspires in pursuit of the most fragrant variety, and we can say with confidence that we've found it in Scentlandia itea. These may survive into winter in some climates. Will grow in shade, but flowering and fall color improves when the plant gets at least some sun each day. Summersweet is hard to transplant and slow to recover from transplanting. Provide moist, humus-rich, slightly acidic, well . To create an idea board, sign in or create an account. Summersweet (Clethra alnifolia) is one garden plant that truly lives up to its name, producing an abundance of sweetly scented flowers during the waning days of summer, when few other shrubs are in bloom. Itea needs little maintenance. The species gets tall and rangy, so it is worth seeking out the cultivar . Several popular cultivars of Virginia Sweetspire are available, including: You can prune Virginia sweetspire to shape it or control its size, but pruning is not otherwise necessary. * Required | We will never sell or distribute your email to any other parties or organizations.