Virginia Sweetspire, Itea virginica, is an erect, rounded, broad-spreading, deciduous shrub with arching branches. Typically grows 3-4 feet tall with a similar spread. Features fragrant, tiny white flowers borne in cylindrical, drooping racemes which cover the shrub with bloom in late spring to early summer. Oval, dark green leaves (1-4" long) turn varying shades of red, orange and gold in autumn. Long period of fall color, with leaves often persisting on the plants until early winter.
The root system is woody and develops underground runners, forming clonal offsets. The leaves are deciduous in Illinois, becoming bright red during the autumn.
Easily grown in average, medium to wet, well-drained soil in full sun to part shade. Adaptable to shade. Prefers moist, humusy soils, but tolerates a wide range of soil conditions.