Itea virginica Little Henry

Itea virginica Little Henry, also known as Virginia Sweet Spire, is a miniaturised version of Itea virginica 'Henry's Garnet'. It is a deciduous bush, ideal for pot cultivation. It displays superb colourful foliage generously covered with fragrant white flowers.

Originating from Asia and North America, Itea belongs to the Iteaceae family. This graceful shrub, with a bushy and relatively spreading habit, measures about 1m (3ft) in height once mature. It offers a spectacular display throughout the seasons. Its dark green dentate foliage takes on reddish-purple hues in autumn. It adorns itself in summer with a profusion of white catkin-shaped flowers. The flowers bear a delicious scent.

Compose a naturalistic, monochrome tableau to feature Itea virginica Little Henry. Add verticality in the background by favouring plants with architectural foliage from wet mediums (gunnera manicata, rodgersia, ligularia, darmera, equisetum, royal osmonde) and in the foreground a compact and uniform vegetal blanket (helxine).

It thrives in partial shade in all types of soil, even clay, provided they are moist or humid. Hardy, it can withstand extreme temperatures (-15°C (5°F)). We recommend that you prune it in March after the frost period.