Fountains Of Rouge™ Virginia Sweetspire

Name: Fountains Of Rouge™ Virginia Sweetspire
Brand: Nature Hills Nursery
SKU: 21919
Price: 79.75 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 5.0 (8 reviews)

Itea virginica 'Fountains of Rouge™'

Fountains of Rouge™ Sweet Spire Delivers Longest-Lasting Fall Color in Brilliant Reddish Purple
Thrives in Zones 5-9
Grows 3-4 ft Tall, 4-5 ft Wide
Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant
Native, Pollinator-Friendly - Attracts Butterflies and Hummingbirds

$79⁷⁵

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In Stock

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Plant Size

#3 Container

Product variants

Understanding Our Container Sizes

At Nature Hills, our plants are sold in industry-standard nursery containers. You will notice we use the word "container" rather than "gallon." Container numbers follow a nursery trade size standard, not liquid volume. The number tells you the plant's size category and general maturity level. A larger container means a more established plant with a stronger root system.

Container Sizes

Quart

Plant age: 6 months to 1 year
Best for: Ground covers, perennials, ornamental grasses
What to expect: Our smallest and most affordable size. Well-suited for planting in multiples across a large area. Allow 1 to 2 seasons for full establishment.

#1 Container

Plant age: 1 to 2 years
Best for: Shrubs, perennials, smaller trees
What to expect: About the size of a large coffee can. A well-developed root system in a manageable size. Good value choice when you have time to let the plant grow into the space over a season or two.

#2 Container

Plant age: 2 to 3 years
Best for: Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment
What to expect: A noticeable step up from a #1 in both plant size and root development. Good choice when you want visible presence without going to a larger size.

#3 Container

Plant age: 3 to 4 years
Best for: Most plants, most situations — flowering trees, shade trees, evergreen shrubs
What to expect: Our most popular size. Strong, developed root system. Plants in a #3 container make an immediate visual impact from day one. If you want a head start rather than waiting seasons for a plant to fill in, this is typically the right choice.

#5 Container and Larger

Plant age: 4 to 5+ years
Best for: Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact
What to expect: Large, mature plants ready to make an immediate statement in your landscape. We also carry #7 and larger sizes for select varieties.

Why "Container" and Not "Gallon"?

Nursery container sizes follow an industry trade standard established for the nursery and horticulture industry. The number is a size designation, not a measurement of liquid volume. Actual soil volume varies by plant type, root mass, and growing medium. Using "container" is the accurate industry term. When you see #1, #2, or #3, think of it as the plant's size tier, not a gallon measurement.

Root Pouch Containers

Some Nature Hills plants arrive in a Root Pouch, a breathable fabric container made from 100% recycled materials. Root Pouches encourage denser root development through air pruning, which discourages root circling and promotes a stronger, more fibrous root ball at the time of planting.

Plants growing in Root Pouch fabric containers, showing the breathable woven fabric construction

There are two types. Knowing which one you have changes how you plant:

Degradable (brown or tan fabric): Plant the entire pouch directly in the ground. The fabric breaks down naturally in the soil over time.
Non-degradable (black or gray fabric): Remove the pouch before planting. Cut the bottom open with scissors, then peel the sides away. The fibrous root ball will hold its shape.

Not sure which type you have? Check the tag on your plant or contact us and we will confirm.

Full Root Pouch planting guide

Choosing the Right Size

Size	Plant Age	Best For
Quart	6 mo to 1 yr	Ground covers, perennials, grasses. Budget-friendly for mass plantings.
#1 Container	1 to 2 yrs	Shrubs, perennials, small trees. Value choice for patient gardeners.
#2 Container	2 to 3 yrs	Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment.
#3 Container	3 to 4 yrs	Most plants. Immediate visual impact. Our most popular size.
#5 and larger	4+ yrs	Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact.

Still not sure which size is right for your project? Our plant specialists are happy to help. Contact us and we will point you in the right direction.

Plant specifications
Plant Characteristics	Cold hardy, Low Maintenance, Flowering, Fragrant, Fall Color/Interest, Slopes/Erosion Control, Deer-resistant, Clay Tolerant, Native, Attracts pollinators, Wet Soils, Hedge/Screen
Hardiness Zone	5a to 9b
Sunlight	Full sun
Height	3-4 ft
Width	4-5 ft
Watering Needs	High
Preferred Soil	Peaty
Growth Rate	Moderate
Growth Habit	Bushy, Compact, Upright
Blooms In	Spring, Summer
Flower Color	White
Foliage Color	Green, Other, Red
Fragrant	Yes
Suitable Space	Outdoors
Botanical Name	Itea virginica 'Fountains of Rouge™'
Species	virginica
Cultivar	Fountains of Rouge™
Class	Saxifragales
Does Not Ship To	AK, HI, ID, MT, PR

Top Choice Fountains Of Rouge™ Virginia Sweetspire

Longest Lasting Fall Color Display Available
Fragrant Flower Clusters Shaped Like Bottlebrushes
Creamy-White Flowers Attract Lots of Butterflies
Excellent Choice for Essential Pollinators
Flowers Develop Seeds that Feed Birds
Arching Branches Make Great Shelter for Birds
Dark Green, Leathery Leaves Stay Shiny All Season
Fantastic Fall Color is Brilliant Reddish Purple
Compact Selection Developed by American Beauties Native Plants
Can Be Grown in Sun to Partial Shade
Durable and Widely Adaptable to a Wide Range of Soil Types
Puts up with Boggy and Dry Soils
Briefly Drought Tolerant
Deer Seldom Damage This Selection
Semi-Evergreen in Warm Climates

Delightful Fountains Of Rouge™ Virginia Sweetspire (Itea virginica 'Fountains of Rouge™') works all season-long. You'll love it's charm, toughness and benefits for your local ecosystem.

Boost the look of your landscape with this modern cultivar of a native shrub. Sweetspire develops those showy cigar-shaped blooms that smell so wonderful!

Each flowering raceme is six inches long, and composed of hundreds of tiny flowers. You'll be astonished at how many butterflies will come to gather nectar each day.

Order enough to have material for fragrant cut flower arrangements! Mix into a country-style bouquet with the season's first Roses; or showcase them in a modern display.

All summer, these compact, spreading bushes catch the sunlight with glossy, thick leaves. Several Fountains of Rouge make a sophisticated backdrop or low hedge to define your garden design.

Leave the spent flowers on the shrub to develop into seed heads as the summer draws to a close. Local birds will love to nibble on them for a nutritious snack!

Let's not forget the grand finale! Fountains Of Rouge Virginia Sweetspire develops some of the deepest fall color on the market.

They'll rival Burning Bush in a good year. And with this cultivar...the color lasts and lasts.

Get plenty of ornamental benefits in this easy-care shrub. Give it sun, partial shade, well-drained, soggy, dry on occasion...this durable native plant survives just about anything.

Don't miss this gorgeous choice. Order Fountains Of Rouge Virginia Sweetspire from our native shrub experts today!

How to Use Fountains Of Rouge™ Virginia Sweetspire in the Landscape

Use one as a colorful specimen in a high-profile location. Group a few together, if you have the room...you'll love making a bigger "splash"!

Weave them together with other pollinator-friendly plants to create a happy, healthy ecosystem. Involve the kids in your life to help you plan out the design.

Let your imagination catch fire with their long-lasting appeal. How can you incorporate low hedges in your landscape to add definition and color?

Line either side of your walkways with a broad hedge of this exceptional shrub for a wonderful garden experience. Plant four feet away from the pavement, and tuck in your favorite Groundcover Sedums for an energetic look.

Perk up a boring backyard with a new island bed. Yes, you can steal some of the lawn to develop a glorious focal point!

Site your new bed to give yourself a view from the patio and even from windows inside your home. Anchor the bed with an evergreen tree or one of our outstanding small flowering trees.

Then, underplant with Fountains Of Rouge Virginia Sweetspire. Add smaller Scentlandia Sweetspire near the edge for a coordinated look!

Partner with other plants and shrubs, including Ivory Halo Dogwood shrubs. Try an alternating planting pattern along a long fence for a very modern sense of formality.

Rather than alternating every other shrub, you might prefer a bolder look on a larger property. Try using at least five Sweetspire in a row , then switch to five Dogwood.

You can also mass these handsome shrubs to control erosion on a slope and fill a wide, open area with color. Plant three feet apart on center in staggered, zigzagging rows.

Commercial property owners can use these low-maintenance shrubs to great advantage with this strategy. People love the look of those beautiful blooms...and you'll appreciate the attention garnered by the fall color!

Add them to Rain Gardens, too. Rugged Sweetspire tolerates damp soils, and can be of great benefit in low-lying areas of your yard.

Naturalize them with Upright Red Chokeberry for a bird-friendly border. They'll look great in front of Arrowwood Viburnum collection, and don't forget the Red-Twigged Dogwoods!

#ProPlantTips for Care

Plant in full sun for the very best performance. But, they'll perform quite well for you in just four hours of sunlight a day.

Adaptable to most soil conditions, Fountains of Rouge will tolerate well-drained and soggy sites. Mulch over the root system to improve the soil quality over time and suppress weeds.

Apply a moderate amount of water on a regular basis. This is especially important if you are keeping them in large containers.

In early spring, trim off the old seed heads for a fresh start. Shape them up and eliminate any winter damage at that time, if desired.

Apply fertilizer in early spring using the application rate listed on the label. We recommend a good, organic, slow-release fertilizer formula for flowering plants.

Create a legacy that stands out in three seasons. Count on the extended fall color of Fountains Of Rouge Virginia Sweetspire for many, many years...order now!

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This product has no reviews of its own. The merchant grouped it with related products, so the reviews shown are from across that group.

great plant just starting to bloom

great plant, just starting to bloom!

Little Henry is such a reliable bloomer, and the show it puts on is worth the wait. Thanks for sharing where yours is in the season, Gunnar. As the flowers finish up, keep an eye on the fall foliage too, because the color it throws in autumn is one of the best surprises this shrub has to offer.

Adaptable

I planted 5 along side of my house where there is some shade. They are thriving, and I was surprised by their lovely red fall color. A bonus!

Hi Bret,

Thank you so much for taking the time to share your experience with the Little Henry® Virginia Sweetspire! We’re delighted to hear that they are thriving in the partial shade by your house and that you’re enjoying their vibrant red fall color—it’s truly one of the many charming bonuses of this versatile plant. If you haven’t already, a light layer of mulch around the base can help retain moisture and keep their roots cool during warmer months, which they generally appreciate. And since you have several planted, consider pruning them lightly in late winter to encourage bushier growth next season.

If you ever have questions or want tips on maximizing their beauty throughout the year, don’t hesitate to reach out. We love hearing success stories like yours!

Bloom on,
The Nature Hills Plant Knowledge Team

Adaptable

I planted 5 along side of my house where there is some shade. They are thriving, and I was surprised by their lovely red fall color. A bonus!

Hello Bret,

Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful experience with the Little Henry® Virginia Sweetspire! We're delighted to hear they’re thriving in your shady spot and that their vibrant red fall color came as a lovely surprise—that seasonal color is truly one of the joys of this adaptable plant. When grown in partial shade, these sweetspires often develop those rich hues, making them a fantastic choice for less sunny areas.

If you’re interested in enhancing their fall display even more, consider maintaining consistent watering during dry spells and adding a layer of mulch to protect roots while boosting soil moisture. Also, little annual pruning can help keep them healthy and encourage dense growth.

Should you have any questions about showcasing their best features or need tips on companion plants to create a beautiful understory, feel free to reach out!

Rooting for your garden’s success,
Your Nature Hills Plant Care Team

Wonderful small flowering bush

Great smaller version of this bush that adapts from full sun to full shade. White hanging flowers in spring and summer. Fall Foliage is very pretty.

Hi Little H.,

Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful experience with the Little Henry® Virginia Sweetspire! We're delighted to hear how well this smaller flowering bush is doing in your garden, thriving from full sun to full shade. Those white hanging flowers in spring and summer truly make a stunning show, and the additional bonus of pretty fall foliage makes it a year-round delight.

If you’re looking to enhance or care for your sweetspire even more, remember that it appreciates consistently moist, well-drained soil and occasional mulching to retain moisture and keep roots cool. Pruning after flowering can help maintain its shape and encourage denser growth!

We’re thrilled your garden is flourishing with this lovely bush and are always here if you need advice on how to care for other special additions.

Bloom on,
The Nature Hills Plant Knowledge Team

Wonderful small flowering bush

Great smaller version of this bush that adapts from full sun to full shade. White hanging flowers in spring and summer. Fall Foliage is very pretty.

Dear Little Henry,

Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful experience with the Little Henry® Virginia Sweetspire! We’re delighted to hear you appreciate its versatility from full sun to full shade, as well as the charming white hanging flowers and the stunning fall foliage colors. It really is a fantastic choice for adding seasonal interest to your garden.

If you’re looking to keep your Little Henry thriving, remember it prefers well-drained soil and moderate watering, especially during dry spells. A light pruning after flowering can help maintain its shape and encourage more blooms next season. And if you ever want to learn more about care tips for your bush or explore companion plants that thrive in similar conditions, feel free to visit our blog or reach out anytime — we’re always happy to assist!

Wishing you happy planting,
The Nature Hills Plant Experts

Bigger & better

Get the larger size. The ones I got were huge! Love them. Thanks Nature Hills!

Hi I B.,

Thank you so much for your wonderful feedback! We’re thrilled to hear that you loved the larger size Little Henry® Virginia Sweetspire plants you received. Bigger plants can certainly make a stunning statement in the garden right from the start, and it sounds like these beauties are doing just that for you.

If you haven’t already, make sure to keep them well-watered as they establish, especially during dry spells. These versatile shrubs do wonderfully in a variety of conditions, but they really shine in partial shade and with consistent moisture. If you ever want other planting tips or ideas for companion plants, we’re always here to help!

Thanks again for choosing Nature Hills. We’re so glad to be part of your gardening journey.

Rooting for your garden’s success,
Your Nature Hills Plant Care Team

Bigger & better

Get the larger size. The ones I got were huge! Love them. Thanks Nature Hills!

Dear I like 'em big,

Thank you so much for sharing your exciting experience with the Little Henry® Virginia Sweetspire! We're delighted to hear you enjoyed the larger size—you truly can’t beat a beautifully full shrub to brighten up your garden. For continued success, make sure to give your sweetspires plenty of well-drained soil and consistent moisture as they establish, and in return, they’ll reward you with vibrant blooms and stunning fall color year after year. If you ever want tips on pairing them with complementary plants or seasonal care, feel free to reach out!

Thanks again for choosing Nature Hills and happy growing!

Wishing you happy planting,
The Nature Hills Plant Experts

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the mature height and width of Fountains Of Rouge™ Virginia Sweetspire?

Fountains Of Rouge™ Virginia Sweetspire reaches 3-4 feet tall and 4-5 feet wide at maturity. This compact selection maintains a neat, spreading habit with arching branches. Allow adequate spacing for its natural spread when planting.

Does Fountains Of Rouge™ Virginia Sweetspire grow well in full sun or shade?

Fountains Of Rouge™ Virginia Sweetspire thrives in sun to partial shade conditions. This adaptable native shrub performs well across a wide range of light exposures. For best flowering and fall color, give it at least morning sun.

What type of soil does Fountains Of Rouge™ Virginia Sweetspire prefer?

Fountains Of Rouge™ Virginia Sweetspire adapts to a wide range of soil types, from boggy to dry conditions. This durable native shrub tolerates both wet and drought conditions once established. Plant it anywhere from consistently moist to well-draining soil for best results.

How often should I water Fountains Of Rouge™ Virginia Sweetspire after planting?

Water newly planted Fountains Of Rouge™ Virginia Sweetspire deeply 2-3 times per week for the first month. This adaptable shrub tolerates both boggy and dry soils once established. Reduce watering frequency after 4-6 weeks as it develops drought tolerance.

What are the care requirements for Fountains Of Rouge™ Virginia Sweetspire in hot climates?

Fountains Of Rouge™ Virginia Sweetspire thrives in hot climates and becomes semi-evergreen in warm zones. This tough native tolerates both boggy and dry soils, plus brief drought periods. Provide afternoon shade in extreme heat and mulch roots to retain moisture during summer.

How far apart should I space Fountains Of Rouge™ Virginia Sweetspire plants?

Space Fountains Of Rouge™ Virginia Sweetspire plants 4-5 feet apart for individual specimens or 3-4 feet apart for hedging. This compact, spreading cultivar needs room to show off its arching branches and 6-inch bottlebrush blooms. Allow adequate spacing for air circulation and the full fountaining growth habit.

Is Fountains Of Rouge™ Virginia Sweetspire deer resistant?

Deer seldom damage Fountains Of Rouge™ Virginia Sweetspire, making it a reliable choice for areas with browsing pressure. This native shrub's natural characteristics help it avoid most deer damage. Plant it confidently in deer-prone areas as part of your landscape design.

What does the fall color look like on Fountains Of Rouge™ Virginia Sweetspire?

The fall color is a brilliant reddish purple that rivals Burning Bush and lasts longer than most shrubs. This cultivar was specifically developed for extended fall color display. Plant in sun to partial shade for the most intense autumn show.

What are the shipping options and costs for Fountains Of Rouge™ Virginia Sweetspire?

Shipping costs and options vary by plant size and your location. Most shrubs ship via ground delivery within 5-7 business days during optimal planting seasons. Check the product page for current shipping rates to your zip code and available delivery timeframes.

Under $50	$9.99
$50 - $99.99	$14.99
$100 - $149.99	$16.99
$150 - $198.99	$24.99
$199+	FREE

Fountains Of Rouge™ Virginia Sweetspire

Itea virginica 'Fountains of Rouge™'

Top Choice Fountains Of Rouge™ Virginia Sweetspire

How to Use Fountains Of Rouge™ Virginia Sweetspire in the Landscape

#ProPlantTips for Care

Where to Plant

Watering Requirements

Pruning Tips

Fertilizer Needs

Shipping Rates

Other varieties

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the mature height and width of Fountains Of Rouge™ Virginia Sweetspire?

Does Fountains Of Rouge™ Virginia Sweetspire grow well in full sun or shade?

What type of soil does Fountains Of Rouge™ Virginia Sweetspire prefer?

How often should I water Fountains Of Rouge™ Virginia Sweetspire after planting?

What are the care requirements for Fountains Of Rouge™ Virginia Sweetspire in hot climates?

How far apart should I space Fountains Of Rouge™ Virginia Sweetspire plants?

Is Fountains Of Rouge™ Virginia Sweetspire deer resistant?

What does the fall color look like on Fountains Of Rouge™ Virginia Sweetspire?

What are the shipping options and costs for Fountains Of Rouge™ Virginia Sweetspire?

Choose options

Fountains Of Rouge™ Virginia Sweetspire

Itea virginica 'Fountains of Rouge™'

Specifications

Description

Top Choice Fountains Of Rouge™ Virginia Sweetspire

How to Use Fountains Of Rouge™ Virginia Sweetspire in the Landscape

#ProPlantTips for Care

Planting & Care

Where to Plant

Watering Requirements

Pruning Tips

Fertilizer Needs

Delivery and Shipping

Shipping Rates

Find on Page

Other varieties

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the mature height and width of Fountains Of Rouge™ Virginia Sweetspire?

Does Fountains Of Rouge™ Virginia Sweetspire grow well in full sun or shade?

What type of soil does Fountains Of Rouge™ Virginia Sweetspire prefer?

How often should I water Fountains Of Rouge™ Virginia Sweetspire after planting?

What are the care requirements for Fountains Of Rouge™ Virginia Sweetspire in hot climates?

How far apart should I space Fountains Of Rouge™ Virginia Sweetspire plants?

Is Fountains Of Rouge™ Virginia Sweetspire deer resistant?

What does the fall color look like on Fountains Of Rouge™ Virginia Sweetspire?

What are the shipping options and costs for Fountains Of Rouge™ Virginia Sweetspire?