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Itea Little Henry®
Itea virginica 'Sprich'
Itea Little Henry® offers fragrant white flowers in summer and brilliant red-orange foliage in fall, making it a stunning addition to any landscape. Ideal for rain gardens, borders, or woodland edges, this compact, deer-resistant shrub adds vibrant seasonal interest and thrives in both sun and shade.
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Itea Little Henry for Sale Online
Itea Little Henry® (Itea virginica 'Sprich') is a compact, deciduous shrub known for its elegant white flowers and stunning fall foliage. In late spring to early summer, this native plant produces fragrant, arching spires of white blooms that attract pollinators, adding beauty and activity to your garden. The blossoms are followed by rich green leaves that turn brilliant shades of orange, red, and purple in the fall, creating a spectacular display of color. Little Henry® reaches a mature height of just 2 to 3 feet, making it an ideal choice for smaller garden spaces, mixed borders, or as an eye-catching ground cover.
Little Henry® thrives in a range of conditions, from full sun to partial shade, and can tolerate a variety of soil types, including moist or even wet soils, making it perfect for rain gardens or areas prone to occasional flooding. Its ability to grow in both sun and shade gives it versatility in the landscape, and it performs exceptionally well in naturalized settings, woodland gardens, or along stream banks. This deer-resistant shrub is not only beautiful but also low-maintenance, making it an excellent choice for gardeners looking for easy-care plants that provide multi-seasonal interest.
With its compact size, showy blooms, and stunning fall colors, Itea Little Henry® is a versatile shrub that brings beauty and functionality to any garden. Use it as a colorful border plant, a mass planting for a striking effect, or in foundation plantings to add year-round interest. Its adaptability, fragrant flowers, and eye-catching fall foliage make Little Henry® a must-have addition to landscapes looking for native plants that support wildlife, provide vibrant seasonal displays, and require minimal care.
| Hardiness Zone: | 5-9 |
|---|---|
| Mature Height: | 2 to 3 Feet |
| Mature width: | 2 to 3 Feet |
| Classification: | Broad Leaved deciduous shrub, Summer flowering |
| Sunlight: | Full Sun to Part Shade |
| Habit: | Upright, great for naturalizing |
| Foliage: | Dark Green |
| Flower Color: | Fragrant pure white. 2 to 3 inches long. |
| Pruning Season: | Prune in summer after flowering. |
| Soil Condition: | Any well-drained slightly acidic soil |
| Water Require: | Water well until established. |
| Uses: | Tolerates moist soil and partial shade or full sun. Full sun brings out the best fall color. Will adapt to drier sites. Spreads by suckers; remove them as they appear if you don’t want a colony. |
How to Care for Itea Little Henry®
After purchasing your Itea Little Henry Shrubs, be sure to read our recommended care instructions to ensure a healthy and happy plant for years to come.
How do I plant Itea Little Henry Shrubs?
To plant Itea Little Henry® shrubs, start by selecting a location that offers full sun to partial shade, as this adaptable shrub will thrive in a range of light conditions. Itea Little Henry® prefers moist, well-drained soil and can even tolerate wet areas, making it ideal for planting near water features or in rain gardens. Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and just as deep to give the roots room to spread. Place the shrub in the hole so that the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil. Backfill with a mixture of native soil and compost to provide nutrients and improve soil structure, then water thoroughly to settle the soil and eliminate any air pockets. Adding a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around the base of the shrub will help retain moisture and suppress weeds. Proper spacing is important when planting multiple Itea Little Henry® shrubs. For a mass planting or hedge, space the shrubs about 3 feet apart to allow for adequate air circulation and room for growth. After planting, water regularly during the first growing season to help the shrub establish a healthy root system. Once established, Itea Little Henry® becomes more drought-tolerant, although it will still perform best with consistent moisture. In early spring, consider applying a balanced, slow-release fertilizer to encourage lush foliage and abundant blooms. With its easy planting requirements and minimal maintenance needs, Itea Little Henry® will reward you with beautiful fragrant flowers in summer and spectacular fall color, adding year-round interest to your landscape.
How Do I water Itea Little Henry?
Watering Itea Little Henry® properly is essential for encouraging healthy growth, abundant blooms, and vibrant fall color. During the first growing season, water deeply once or twice a week, depending on rainfall, to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. This helps the shrub establish a strong root system, especially if planted in a drier spot. It's best to water at the base of the shrub to allow the moisture to soak into the root zone, which ensures that the plant gets what it needs without promoting fungal issues on the foliage. Adding a layer of mulch around the base will help retain soil moisture and maintain even conditions, which is particularly beneficial during hot summer months. Once Itea Little Henry® is established, it becomes more drought-tolerant, but it still prefers evenly moist soil to perform its best. During dry spells or prolonged periods without rain, continue to water deeply every week to keep the roots hydrated. If the shrub is planted in a rain garden or naturally moist area, it may require less supplemental watering. Always check the top 1-2 inches of soil before watering—if it feels dry to the touch, it’s time to water again. Consistent watering will help Itea Little Henry® produce lush green foliage, plentiful summer blooms, and the stunning red-orange fall color for which it is known, making it a standout in any landscape.
How Do I Fertilize Itea Little Henry?
To fertilize Itea Little Henry®, apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring as new growth begins to emerge. A general-purpose fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10 formula, will provide the necessary nutrients for healthy growth, vibrant leaves, and abundant blooms. Spread the fertilizer evenly around the base of the shrub, keeping it away from direct contact with the stems to prevent damage. Water thoroughly after applying fertilizer to help the nutrients reach the root zone, promoting strong root development and lush foliage. By providing the right nutrients, your Itea Little Henry® will flourish, showcasing fragrant flowers in summer and stunning fall color. In addition to using a commercial fertilizer, you can improve soil fertility by incorporating organic matter, such as compost or well-rotted manure, around the base of Itea Little Henry® each year. This natural approach not only feeds the shrub but also enhances soil structure and promotes beneficial microbial activity. Avoid over-fertilizing, as too much nitrogen can lead to excessive leafy growth at the expense of flowers and fall color. A light feeding in early summer may be beneficial if the plant appears to need an extra boost, but generally, annual spring fertilization is sufficient. With a proper fertilization schedule, Itea Little Henry® will maintain its compact form, produce an abundance of white flowers, and display beautiful, fiery foliage in the fall, adding multi-seasonal interest to your garden.
How Do I Prune Itea Little Henry?
Pruning Itea Little Henry® is essential for maintaining its compact shape and encouraging healthy growth, flowering, and vibrant fall color. The best time to prune this shrub is in late winter or early spring, just before new growth begins. Begin by removing any dead, damaged, or diseased branches to improve the overall health of the plant. To shape the shrub and encourage fuller growth, lightly prune back the tips of the branches. Since Itea Little Henry® blooms on new wood, trimming it before the growing season helps promote more vigorous flowering in summer. If your Itea Little Henry® has become overgrown, you can perform rejuvenation pruning by cutting back up to one-third of the oldest branches to the ground. This will encourage the growth of new, healthy shoots and keep the shrub dense and attractive. Avoid heavy pruning after the blooming period, as this can impact the development of the stunning fall foliage. Regular, light pruning not only enhances the natural shape of Itea Little Henry® but also ensures that it produces an abundance of fragrant blooms and spectacular red-orange fall color, making it a beautiful and well-maintained addition to your landscape.
