PlantFiles: Dwarf Virginia Sweetspire, Gooseberry
Itea virginica 'Little Henry'

I purchased several of these in spring 2008 to brighten a shady spot in my back yard. Last year they were beautiful- very full blossoms and foilage, quite enjoyable. This year they barely bloomed and were very sparse even though the weather was good, not near as hot and dry as last year. I was told to try adding hollytone to the soil and that next spring they should bounce back. In the meantime I have already lost 2 of 9. Does anyone else have any other suggestions or experiences with this plant?

I question the "may be a noxious weed or invasive" label. Itea virginica is a native shrub and in CT is highly recommended as an alternative to the truly invasive winged euonymous (burning bush). By definition, a plant that is native cannot be labeled "invasive." It should be noted that this plant has the potential to form large colonies if it is given the conditions it prefers.

I'm still out about this one..When I first planted 3 plants several years ago, they seemed to do pretty well; they had blossoms the first couple of years, but very sparse. They are planted where they do get partial sun/shade and they keep multiplying, but even with all the rain we had this year, they did not bloom at all.

I planted an Itea 'Little Henry' last year and am very pleased with it. This spring the flowers were scant because of a late frost, but it began to color up for fall in August, and last year, the leaves stayed on the plant for an extended period, some right into spring. The leaf color is rosy-purple and it makes a great accent for yellow foliaged plants. Highly recommended.

Very nice size in the landscape, round and full and covered in pendulas white flowers that develop over several weeks in spring and draw bees and other small flying insects, but butterflies didn't seem all that interested. There was a slight aroma to the flowers, but not the fragrant plant the name suggests. Looks great among other shrubs that flower at the same time like spirea.

I love this shrub! Here in Houston w/ the intensity of the sun it really requires a lot of protection from the sun- which I could not give it! Had to dig it up and give it my daughter who has a much shadier yard. But it is beautiful and adds great fall color.

I am very happy with this ever-changing shrub! In summer it has soft, touchable, drooping white flower clusters that remind me of caterpillars. Later these dry and turn brown, at which time they can be left on the shrub for textural effect or deadheaded. Then in the fall, the leaves turn scarlet and red. I highly recommend this one.