Itea virginica ‘Scentlandia’ | Virginia Sweetspire ‘Scentlandia’

More fragrant than other sweetspire varieties, ‘Scentlandia^® typically grows 3-4′ (less frequently to 5′) tall with an arching spread. This shrub features fragrant, tiny white flowers borne in cylindrical, drooping racemes (3-6″ long) which cover the shrub with bloom in late spring to early summer. Oval, dark green leaves (1-4″ long) turn varying shades of red, orange and gold in autumn. Long period of fall color, with leaves often persisting on the plants until early winter. The plant is adaptable to shade, but fall color is best with six or more hours of sun. Prefers moist, humus, acidic soils, but tolerates a wide range of soil conditions. Can form dense colonies by root suckering if left unchecked. The plant blooms only on new wood so pruning must be done immediately after flowering.

For more information visit  For more information visit the Missouri Botanical Garden and/or Kathy Copley’s Plant Showcase on the Brunswick County Master Gardener Volunteer Association website

Photo courtesy of Arbor Day Foundation