This shrub has upright arching slender stems that form a compact rounded habit. It has dark green oblong leaves that turn red to purple during autumn and the tiny creamy cup-shaped fragrant flowers appear in an upright raceme during summer. 

Hardiness zones 5 to 9 

Itea virginica is naturally found in eastern USA growing in moist well-drained fertile soils and prefers a semi shaded position and is frost tolerant but drought tender.

Sweetspire is grown for its habit and autumn foliage colour and is planted in small to medium size gardens as a specimen or along borders. It may also be used for a low hedge, responding to a light trim and establishes in 3 to 5 years. It is suitable for coastal or inland regions but dislikes dry soils. ID 1644

Itea (eye-TEE-uh) virginica (vir-JIN-ih-kuh)

Escalloniaceae (es-kaa-LON-ee-AY-se-ee)