A mature Virginia Sweetspire (Itea virginica) growing in a residential garden bed

In the landscape

Hedge · Mass planting · Coastal · Pond · Riparian · Woodland · Butterfly · Childrens

Data sources

Missouri Botanical Garden, NC State Extension

Virginia Sweetspire

Itea virginica · Shrub

Virginia Sweetspire is a moderate-growing shrub, hardy in USDA zones 5-9, that matures to about 3–5 ft × 3–5 ft. It does best in full sun and part shade with high water needs in standing-water, well-drained and moist soil. Expect white blooms in summer. It attracts butterflies, hummingbirds and pollinators, stands up well to deer and drought and fire.

USDA zones: 5-9
Sun: Full sun, Part shade
Water: High
Mature size: 3–5 ft × 3–5 ft
Growth rate: Medium
Maintenance: Low
Soil: Standing-water, Well-drained, Moist, Occasionally-wet
Bloom color: White
Bloom season: Summer
Attracts: Butterflies, Hummingbirds, Pollinators, Small mammals, Songbirds
Tough against: Deer, Drought, Fire, Wet soil
Native to: Eastern North America

Will it survive your winters?

We score Virginia Sweetspire’s freeze-trouble range against the real coldest nights your area has recorded.

Powered by ~35 years of daily lows from the nearest NOAA weather station. A risk read, not a guarantee — a sheltered spot or mature plant beats the odds.

More plants for your zone: Zone 5 · Zone 6 · Zone 7 · Zone 8 · Zone 9