'Scentlandia' Sweetspire

FEATURES

Sweet summertime fragrance.

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. Though this native plant is much beloved for its sweetly scented summer blooms, not all plants exhibit equally strong fragrance, so it was our primary goal in introducing our next variety. 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. Scentlandia® sweetspire delivers on all three! 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. Itea is one of the most shade tolerant flowering shrubs and thrives even in wet soils, making it an excellent problem solver. 

Available in better garden centers in spring 2019.

Top reasons to grow Scentlandia® sweetspire:

- More fragrant than other sweetspire varieties

- Better bud hardiness means better performance in USDA zones 5 and 6

- One of the most shade tolerant flowering shrubs

Fragrant Flower
Fall Interest
Drought Tolerant
Erosion Control
Bog Plant
Attracts: 
Bees
Butterflies
Resists: 
Deer
Native to North America

CHARACTERISTICS

Plant Type: 
 Shrub
 
Shrub Type: 
 Deciduous
 
Height Category: 
 Short
 
Garden Height: 
 24 - 36 Inches
 
Spacing: 
 24 - 36 Inches
 
Spread: 
 24 - 36 Inches
 
Flower Colors: 
 White
 
Foliage Colors: 
 Green
 
Foliage Shade: 
 Green
 
Habit: 
 Mounded
 
Container Role: 
 Filler

PLANT NEEDS

Light Requirement: 
 Full Shade
 
 Part Shade to Shade
 
 Part Sun to Sun
 
 Sun
 
 Sun or Shade

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).

Maintenance Category: 
 Easy
Blooms On: 
 Old Wood
Bloom Time: 
 Early Summer
Hardiness Zones: 
 5a5b6a6b7a7b8a8b9a9b
Water Category: 
 Average
Uses: 
 Border Plant
 
 Edging Plant
 
 Groundcover
 
 Landscape
 
 Mass Planting
 
 Specimen or Focal Point
Uses Notes: 
 

Plant Scentlandia itea near a window or outdoor area where you can enjoy its fragrance. Its small stature makes it a nice choice for adding color and scent to perennial gardens. 

Itea is one of the few shrubs that will still flower reasonably well even in shade.

Maintenance Notes: 
 

Itea needs little maintenance. In spring, after new growth begins to emerge, you can remove any stems that aren't showing signs of life - do not prune until you see signs of new growth. Mulch is  a good idea. 

Scentlandia® Itea virginica 'SMNIVDFC' USPP 30,233Can 6,650