Scentlandia® Itea Plant

Scentlandia® Itea virginica, commonly known as Virginia sweetspire, is a deciduous shrub renowned for its beautiful, fragrant flowers and stunning fall foliage. Growing to a compact height and spread of 2-3 feet, this plant is ideal for various garden settings. Its dark green leaves transform into vibrant shades of red, orange, and purple in the fall, providing extended visual interest.

In late spring to early summer, Scentlandia® produces clusters of small, fragrant white flowers that are up to 4 inches long and highly attractive to pollinators, including bees and butterflies. This cultivar thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers moist, well-drained soil. It is adaptable to various soil types and can tolerate wet conditions, making it an excellent choice for rain gardens.

Regular watering is essential, especially during dry periods, although the plant has moderate drought tolerance once established. Hardy in USDA zones 5-9, Scentlandia® Itea virginica requires minimal pruning, typically only to maintain shape and remove dead wood. A balanced, slow-release fertilizer applied in the spring supports vigorous growth and flowering.

Fabulously fragrant, Scentlandia® sweetspire stands out for its many attributes: it’s native, shade tolerant, deer resistant, has handsome foliage, amazing fall color, very showy flowers, and of course, a delicious fragrance. This particular cultivar improves on the classic Virginia sweetspire with better hardiness and the best fragrance of any Itea. Year after year, you'll enjoy great fall color, along with a compact, refined habit. Winner of the Boskoop Royal Horticultural Society Silver Medal, Scentlandia® is a testament to exceptional garden performance. 

Relatively pest and disease-resistant, this low-maintenance shrub is perfect for mixed borders, garden beds, and wildlife gardens, where it attracts pollinators and enhances biodiversity. Scentlandia® Itea virginica is truly a standout native shrub that offers continuous beauty and fragrance throughout the seasons.