Itea Sweet Spire 'Little Henry' (3 Gallon)

Itea ‘Little Henry’ (3 Gallon)

Big charm in a small package—bringing color, fragrance, and joy to your garden year after year.

Itea virginica ‘Little Henry’, commonly known as Virginia Sweetspire, is a delightful native shrub that fits perfectly into Southern gardens and small-town yards. With cascading white flower spikes in early summer and brilliant red-orange fall color, this compact beauty adds year-round interest in a tidy, manageable form. It’s the kind of plant that quietly shines—just like the neighbors who wave from their porches and the friends who always show up with a smile.

🌿 A Bit of History & Meaning

Itea is native to the Southeastern U.S. and has long been admired for its versatility, resilience, and striking seasonal interest. The cultivar ‘Little Henry’ was bred for compact spaces, making it ideal for today’s modern garden without losing its deep roots in tradition. With sweet-scented flowers and glowing fall foliage, it symbolizes steadfast joy, natural beauty, and the comfort of home.

🌞 Where It Grows Best

‘Little Henry’ thrives in full sun to part shade and tolerates a variety of soil conditions—even damp areas—making it a wonderful choice for woodland edges, borders, rain gardens, and foundation plantings. It typically grows to 2–3 feet tall and 3–4 feet wide, staying neat without much fuss.

🌱 Care Instructions

• Water: Enjoys consistent moisture, especially during the first year

• Sunlight: Best blooms in full sun, but grows happily in part shade

• Soil: Tolerates wet soils—great for low spots or rain gardens

• Maintenance: Prune lightly after flowering to shape if needed

• Wildlife Friendly: Attracts pollinators and is deer-resistant

‘Little Henry’ rewards you with clouds of white blooms in early summer, followed by stunning fall color that lasts long after the first frost—a true four-season gem that brightens up any yard or garden path.

🌸 Pair With These Garden Friends:

• Clethra ‘Sixteen Candles’ – For a fragrant, native pairing

• Ferns and Hostas – Add texture in shady borders

• Hydrangeas – Complement the flower shape and seasonal show

• Azaleas or Nandina – For vibrant contrast and layered appeal

Whether you're planting around a front porch, building a butterfly garden, or creating a cheerful backyard retreat, Itea ‘Little Henry’ adds charm, fragrance, and rich color—perfect for families who love to grow something beautiful, together.