Photo of Itea virginica 'Merlot' flower by Avant Gardens

Photo by Avant Gardens

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Itea virginica 'Merlot'

Plant type

shrub

size

  • H: 36"-42"
  • W: 4'-36"

planting zones

  • 6a-9b

More Options

Itea virginica 'Merlot' plant details

Itea virginica 'Merlot' is a broadleaf deciduous shrub with green foliage. In spring cream and white flowers emerge. Grows well with sun - mostly shade and even moisture - regular water. Adapts to various soil conditions. Does well in acidic, clay and well-drained soil.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Itea virginica 'Merlot'

Plant type: shrub
Plant family: iteaceae
Foliage: deciduous green
Mature size: 4 FT - 36 IN - wide, 36 IN - 42 IN - tall
Flowers: cream and white blooms in spring
Uses: compact, container plant, dense, dwarf, fall color, fragrant

GROWING CONDITIONS for Itea virginica 'Merlot'

USDA Zones: 6a - 9b
Sun exposure: sun - mostly shade
Watering frequency: even moisture - regular
Soil needs: acidic, clay and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

More compact and upright, this 3' (rather than 5') almost-native shrub offers with ?open branches? both fragrant white flowers in spring and fine orange- to-deep-red fall color... easy to grow and SO easy to enjoy! S/M-W
A very compact shrub that is covered in fragrant white flowers in early summer, Merlot Sweetspire is an easy to grow shrub that is prized for its bright red fall color which lasts into winter. After the leaves drop off the bare branches are also colorful providing good winter interest. Sweetspire is tolerant of very wet soils but also thrives in a variety of other soil types in addition to being exceptionally tolerant of both hot and cold climates.

This is a semi-evergreen, flowering shrub with fragrant white flowers in June and red fall color resembling red wine. This plant prefers that the soil remain moist.
Native shrub selected for its pleasing wine-red autumn foliage. Like Clethra 'Ruby Spice', this is a plant of the future: small, fragrant flowers, easily grown, and pest-free.
A selection of the native shrub Sweetspire, with striking wine-red autumn foliage color. Fragrant white drooping panicles of white flowers in spring. Compact habit of 3' x 3'. Useful in containers as well as the garden. Large 1 gallon plants.
Lovely, compact growing dwarf Itea with deep purple foliage in the fall and typical Sweetspire flowers. Maturing at 3 to 3½'. Dense, twiggy growth.

By: Greer Gardens Inc.

Gardening facts about Itea virginica 'Merlot' plant

How to Grow Itea virginica 'Merlot'

  • Sun Exposure

    • sun - mostly shade
  • Soil Needs

    • clay
    • acidic
    • adaptable
    • well-drained
  • Water Needs

    • even moisture - regular

Features

  • Flower Season

    • spring
  • Flower Color

    • white
    • cream
  • Foliage Color

    • green
  • Foliage Season

    • deciduous
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