Itea virginica is an under-story shrub native to moist woods in the southeast. It is an open upright shrub growing to about 7 feet tall. It has bright green oblong leaves which turn a good red in the fall. White, fragrant flowers are borne on upright, dense racemes (elongated clusters) 2 to 6 inches long in early- to midsummer. The native species is good enough to include in your garden. But, 'Henry's Garnet' is a truly outstanding selection. The flower clusters are twice as long as the original species, and they arch and cascade above the foliage beautifully. Fall foliage turns deep burgundy. The colorful leaves seem to hold on forever, too, sometimes persisting well into the winter. Grow 'Henry's Garnet' in moist to average soil in full sun or light shade. Expect a happy mature plant to be 6 feet tall and at least that wide. This plant in flower or in fall color is a dazzler.
