Should you prune Virginia sweetspire?

Pruning. You can prune Virginia sweetspire to shape it or control its size, but pruning is not otherwise necessary. Because it blooms on old wood (previous year’s growth), pruning should be done immediately after blooming so that the plant can develop the wood necessary for next year’s blooms.

Is Henry’s Garnet sweetspire invasive?

The native Virginia sweetspire (Itea virginica) is often suggested as an alternative to burning bush (Euonymus alata), even though sweetspire can be invasive in the South. But your garden is near this plant’s northern limit, so it is unlikely to get away.

What to do with Henrys Garnet Virginia sweetspire?

‘Henry’s Garnet’ Virginia sweetspire ( Itea virginica) showing fall color. Sweetspire is a versatile plant in the landscape. It is an excellent substitute for burning bush where a smaller or more pest resistant plant is needed. Mass plantings can be used as a high ground cover or shrub bank.

What kind of flower is Henry’s Garnet?

Henry’s Garnet sweetspire ( Itea virginica ‘Henry’s Garnet’). ©Photo: Megan Hansen. (CC-BY-SA). Sweetspire ‘Henry’s Garnet’ is an improved version of a Florida native that’s know for its sweet-smelling blooms in spring and its colorful fall foliage.

When is the best time to prune a Virginia sweetspire?

You can prune Virginia sweetspire to shape it or control its size, but pruning is not otherwise necessary. Because it blooms on old wood (previous year’s growth), pruning should be done immediately after blooming so that the plant can develop the wood necessary for next year’s blooms.

What’s the best way to plant sweetspire Garnet?

The native version of sweetspire is known to spread by underground by runners, so if you plant the native form, be sure to leave it plenty of room. Follow the general guidelines for planting shrubs, digging a hole that is one and a half times wider than the plant root ball but one inch shallower.