Henry's Garnet Virginia Sweetspire

Name: Henry's Garnet Virginia Sweetspire
Brand: Nature Hills Nursery
SKU: 19601
Price: 36.79 USD
Availability: InStock

Itea virginica 'Henry's Garnet'

Nature Hills Nursery

$36⁷⁹

Shipping calculated at checkout.

In Stock

Enter your ZIP code to check shipping availability.

Find your Growing Zone

Plant Size

#1 Container #3 Container

Product variants

Planting & Care

Where to Plant

Sunlight: This shrub performs best in full sun to part shade. For the most intense "garnet" fall color and heaviest flower production, aim for at least 6 hours of direct sunlight. While it handles shade well, the foliage will remain more green than purple in autumn and the flower tassels will be more sparse.
Soil: Henry’s Garnet loves moist, slightly acidic soil but is famous for its "built-in boots" that allow it to handle wet feet and heavy clay. If you have sandy soil, mix in organic compost to help hold moisture, as this plant does not like to completely dry out.

Watering Requirements

During the first year, water twice weekly to ensure the root system anchors deeply into your soil. Once established, this shrub is remarkably adaptable and can tolerate occasional drought, though inconsistent watering during summer heat can lead to "crispy" leaf edges and smaller flower spikes the following spring. Think of it as a moisture-loving plant that can survive a dry spell, rather than a desert-dweller.

Pruning Tips

Since this plant blooms on old wood, you should only prune immediately after the flowers fade in early summer. If you prune in late winter, you will accidentally cut off all of the season's flower buds. Focus on removing the oldest, woodiest stems down to the ground every few years to encourage vigorous new growth, which helps keep the plant’s mounded shape from becoming leggy.

Fertilizer Needs

Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring just as new growth begins to emerge. Avoid using high-nitrogen fertilizers after midsummer, as this encourages soft, tender growth that won't have time to "harden off" before the first frost. This late-season growth is easily damaged by winter cold, which can lead to dieback and a patchy appearance the following year.

Delivery and Shipping

Preorder Shipping Schedule

We ship your plants when it's safe to transport them to your zone. Dates are estimated and subject to weather delays.

Zone 3-4	Week of March 30th
Zone 5	Week of March 16th
Zone 6-12	Week of March 2nd

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.

Popular Ornamental Shrub with 4-Season Interest

Summer Flowers
Fragrant
Hardy
Wildlife Interest

Henry's Garnet Virginia Sweetspire, Itea virginica 'Henry's Garnet', is an ornamental shrub with wonderfully fragrant blooms. Plant one for a gorgeous foundation plant in your front yard, or use several in your side yard. They naturalize well and are sure to provide an elegant appearance in those less-civilized areas of your landscape.

Your 'Henry's Garnet' Virginia Sweetspire will wow you with its 6-inch long, dense clusters of white blossoms in June (when many other plants are just getting started). The fragrant beauties last well into summer and are sure to call you in for a closer look, just as it will your hummingbirds, butterflies and other pollinators.

The flowers reach up above the bright green foliage before gently cascading down for an elegant appearance in your landscape. The oblong leaves transition to a delightful red for fall and often hang on into winter to extend the show.

'Henry's Garnet' Virginia Sweetspire is an upright shrub with a rounded form and an open nature. This Sweetspire won't require a lot of time from you to achieve its naturally beautiful appearance, and is hardy enough to thrive regardless of minor inconveniences. It even naturalizes well.

Sweetspire has long been a popular ornamental shrub among gardeners, and 'Henry's Garnet' Virginia Sweetspire has clusters almost twice as long as other cultivars! It's sure to bring a smile to your face this year when you witness first-hand all that it has to offer for your yard.

Botanical Name

Itea virginica 'Henry's Garnet'
Class

Saxifragales
Species

virginica
Cultivar

Henry
Growing Zones

5-9
Height

3-5 ft
Width

4-6 ft
Sunlight

Full sun
Growth Rate

Moderate
Flower Color

White
Leaf Color

Green, Orange, Red
Fall Color

Scarlet
Native

Yes
Fragrant

Yes
Bloom Period

Late Spring, Early Summer
Does Not Ship To

AK, HI, ID, MT, PR

Free shipping

On all orders over $199
Plant Sentry™

Compliant guaranteed
Easy returns

Hassle free returns policy
Live Chat

Talk to a real person

Growing Zones 5-9

Find Your Growing Zone!

Frequently Asked Questions

What USDA hardiness zones is Henry's Garnet Virginia Sweetspire suitable for?

Henry's Garnet Virginia Sweetspire thrives in USDA zones 5-9. This hardy shrub tolerates various conditions and naturalizes well, making it reliable across a wide temperature range. Plant it in spring for best establishment.

What is the mature size and spread of Henry's Garnet Virginia Sweetspire?

Henry's Garnet Virginia Sweetspire reaches 3-4 feet tall and wide at maturity with an upright, rounded form. This compact size makes it perfect for foundation plantings or naturalizing in groupings. Shop at Nature Hills for this versatile shrub that fits beautifully in most landscape spaces.

Can Henry's Garnet Virginia Sweetspire grow well in my planting zone (e.g., zone 5 or colder)?

Henry's Garnet Virginia Sweetspire is hardy in zones 5-9 and handles cold well. This tough shrub thrives despite minor weather challenges and naturalizes easily in most temperate climates. Check your specific zone and plant in spring for best establishment.

Does Henry's Garnet Virginia Sweetspire tolerate wet or poorly drained soil?

Henry's Garnet Virginia Sweetspire tolerates wet soil and poor drainage better than most shrubs. This hardy native thrives in moist to wet conditions, making it excellent for rain gardens or areas with seasonal flooding. Plant it in consistently moist spots where other shrubs might struggle.

How much sun or shade does Henry's Garnet Virginia Sweetspire need?

Henry's Garnet Virginia Sweetspire thrives in partial shade to full sun conditions. This adaptable shrub performs well in various light situations, making it versatile for different garden locations. Plant it where it gets at least 4-6 hours of sunlight daily for best flowering and fall color display.

Is Henry's Garnet Virginia Sweetspire deer resistant?

Henry's Garnet Virginia Sweetspire is generally considered deer resistant, though hungry deer may still browse it during harsh winters. The fragrant summer blooms and naturalizing habit make it a reliable choice for areas with deer pressure. Plant it as a foundation shrub or in naturalized areas where deer frequent your landscape.

What are the watering needs after planting Henry's Garnet Virginia Sweetspire?

Water Henry's Garnet Virginia Sweetspire deeply once weekly during its first growing season to establish roots. This hardy shrub tolerates some drought once established but performs best with consistent moisture. Check soil moisture 2-3 inches down and water when dry.

When and how should I prune Henry's Garnet Virginia Sweetspire?

Prune Henry's Garnet Virginia Sweetspire in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches, and lightly shape if needed. Since it naturalizes well and has an attractive open form, minimal pruning is required to maintain its elegant appearance.

What is the fall color like on Henry's Garnet Virginia Sweetspire?

Henry's Garnet Virginia Sweetspire produces stunning red fall foliage that often persists into winter. The oblong leaves transition from bright green to delightful red tones, extending the seasonal display well beyond typical fall color shrubs. Plant in a visible location to enjoy this extended autumn show.

Which states can Henry's Garnet Virginia Sweetspire be shipped to?

Henry's Garnet Virginia Sweetspire can be shipped to most US states where it's winter hardy. This native shrub thrives in USDA zones 5-9, making it suitable for the majority of the continental United States. Check your specific hardiness zone before ordering to ensure success in your garden.