Fountains Of Rouge™ Virginia Sweetspire

Itea virginica 'Fountains of Rouge™'

Nature Hills Nursery

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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Find your Growing Zone

Plant Size

#3 Container

Product variants

Planting & Care

Where to Plant

Sunlight: For the best flower production and that signature deep red fall color, plant in full sun (6+ hours). It will grow in partial shade, but you will notice fewer blooms and the autumn foliage may lean more toward bronze or green.
Soil: This shrub loves moist, slightly acidic soil but is famous for its "Goldilocks" ability to adapt to heavy clay or sandy spots. If you have heavy clay, mix in a few handfuls of organic compost at planting to help the roots breathe.

Watering Requirements

Keep the soil consistently moist for the first year to help the root system anchor itself. Once established, this Sweetspire is surprisingly drought-tolerant, though inconsistent watering during summer dry spells can lead to smaller flower spikes the following spring. Aim for a deep soak at the base of the plant once a week during the heat of summer to keep the foliage lush.

Pruning Tips

Since Fountains Of Rouge™ blooms on "old wood" (stems from the previous year), you should only prune immediately after the flowers fade in early summer. Think of it like a post-bloom haircut to shape the plant and remove any wayward branches. Pruning too late in the year or in early spring will accidentally remove the developing flower buds, resulting in a green bush with no white "fountains."

Fertilizer Needs

Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring just as new growth begins to emerge. Avoid using high-nitrogen fertilizers late in the summer, as this encourages tender new growth that won't have time to "harden off" before the first frost. This soft growth is easily damaged by winter cold, which can invite disease into the main stems.

Delivery and Shipping

Shipping Rates

Ships in 7-10 business days • Tracking provided • Weather protected

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

✓ Zone-specific timing • ✓ Professional packaging • ✓ Health guarantee

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, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 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
Native	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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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.

Fountains Of Rouge™ Virginia Sweetspire

Itea virginica 'Fountains of Rouge™'