Fountains of Rouge™ Virginia Sweetspire

Light Needs

Partial Shade to Full Sun

(At Least 3 Hours of Direct Sunlight)

Mature Height

3-5 Feet

Mature Spread

4-5 Feet

Growing Zones

5 to 9

The Fountains of Rouge™ Virginia Sweetspire creates a natural focal point throughout the growing season. Fragrant white flowers grow in 4- to 6-inch long wands and give the plant a unique texture. Deep green foliage has a leathery texture and transforms to a dark, vibrant red during the fall. The Itea virginica provides long-lasting fall color.

Feature this plant in a butterfly garden because the white blooms are a draw for pollinators. Leave the blooms in place, and birds will stop by to eat the seeds later in the growing season. Sweetspire thrives in beds, borders, or mass plantings. This adaptable plant can live in various conditions, from dry to damp. The Fountains of Rouge™ Virginia Sweetspire is native to North America, and once this shrub has had time to acclimate, it will thrive with little attention when grown in USDA zones 5 through 9.

Fountains of Rouge™ Virginia Sweetspire Care

Plant in moist but well-drained acidic soil. This shrub needs full sun to partial shade, although expect best results and more vibrant foliage color when grown in full sun. New plants need one inch of water per week but, once established, are somewhat drought-tolerant. Plants grown in warm climates will need more frequent watering. 

Apply a balanced fertilizer each spring to support flower and foliage production. Pruning is not generally necessary, but you can trim the plant to maintain the shape or size. This cultivar blooms on old wood, so prune as soon as the flowers fade to ensure abundant blooms next year.

Fountains of Rouge™ Virginia Sweetspire Spacing

The Fountains of Rouge™ Virginia Sweetspire is an upright plant that will grow 3 to 4 feet tall and 4 to 5 feet wide. Create a continuous planting by spacing shrubs 2 to 4 feet apart.

Image Courtesy of Spring Meadow Nursery