Itea virginica Merlot
Merlot Virginia Sweetspire
Selected by Mark Griffith of Griffith Nursery for the compact habit and red-purple fall color. Leaves persist well into winter on 3-3.5' tall plants. Shiny red stems are attractive after the leaves drop.
The 3-4" long flower racemes are slightly fragrant and attract pollinators. Plants will spread by suckers in moist soil and make a good addition to shrub borders, woodland gardens, and naturalized areas.
- Rounded, compact habit
- White, fragrant flowers in late spring to early summer
- Deep burgundy foliage in fall and lasts through winter
- Great plant for a rain garden or bioretention application
- Category: Shrub, Wetland, Native
- Hardiness Zone: 5-9
- Height: 3-4 ft
- Spread: 3-4 ft
- Bloom Color: White
- Foliage Color: Burgundy, Green
Critter Resistance
| • | Deer Resistant |
Foliage
| • | Deciduous |
Season of Interest (Foliage)
| • | Fall |
Growth Rate
| • | Moderate |
Attributes
| • | Bioretention |
| • | Border or Bed |
| • | Fall Color |
| • | Fragrant |
| • | Great Foliage |
| • | Low Maintenance |
| • | Mass Planting |
| • | Native |
| • | Naturalizing |
| • | Rain Garden |
| • | Spring Bloomer |
| • | Summer Bloomer |
| • | Water's Edge / Bog Plant |
Additional Information about Itea virginica Merlot
The fall foliage color on this variety is stunning. Plant retains leaves well into winter, even in the north.
Growing & Maintenance Tips for Itea virginica Merlot
Prefers moist, fertile soil and full sun or shade. Grows in wet soil in natural areas. Can become chlorotic in alkaline soil.