Sweetspire, Henry's Delight

Plant name: Sweetspire, Henry’s Delight
Scientific name: Itea virginica ‘Henry’s Delight’

Plant description:
Sweetspire ‘Henry’s Delight’ is a compact deciduous shrub selected for its refined habit, seasonal color shifts, and reliable performance in a wide range of landscape settings. This cultivar forms a dense, arching mound with graceful branching that softens garden edges and blends easily into mixed plantings. Its adaptability to varying soil conditions and consistent ornamental value make it a dependable choice for foundation plantings, naturalized borders, and wildlife-supporting gardens.

Flower description:
In late spring to early summer, slender racemes of small white flowers emerge along the stems, creating a soft, cascading effect. The blooms carry a light, sweet fragrance that attracts pollinators and adds movement to the landscape. Flower clusters contrast strongly against the green foliage, providing a layered visual texture during the flowering season.

Leaf description:
Leaves are oval to lance-shaped with a smooth surface and medium green color through the growing season. As temperatures cool, foliage transitions into rich shades of red, burgundy, and purple, delivering extended seasonal interest. The dense leaf coverage contributes to the shrub’s full appearance and makes it useful for creating low visual barriers.

Deciduous or evergreen:
Deciduous.

USDA grow zones:
USDA Zones 5–9.

Mature height and width:
Typically grows 3–4 feet tall and 4–6 feet wide, forming a gently spreading habit with age.

Landscape uses:
Suitable for mass plantings, low hedges, foundation borders, rain gardens, and woodland edges. Works effectively along pathways or beneath taller shrubs where layered planting design is desired. Its tolerance for varied soil moisture makes it a practical option for areas that experience periodic wet conditions.

Native range:
Derived from Itea virginica, a species native to the eastern United States.

Sun exposure:
Performs well in full sun to partial shade. Increased sunlight promotes stronger flowering and more intense fall color, while partial shade helps maintain foliage quality in warmer climates.

Water requirements:
Prefers moist, organically rich soil but adapts to average garden conditions once established. Regular watering during the first growing seasons supports strong root development. Established plants tolerate occasional dry periods yet respond best to consistent soil moisture.

Pests and problems:
Generally resistant to serious pests and diseases. Occasional leaf spotting may occur in overly crowded conditions with limited airflow. Maintaining proper spacing and avoiding heavy overhead watering helps reduce minor issues.

Heat and sun tolerance:
Handles warm conditions when planted in soil that retains moderate moisture. Mulch around the base to stabilize soil temperatures and protect roots from excessive heat.

Cold tolerance:
Adapted to cold winter conditions within its recommended zones. Plants enter dormancy naturally and return with vigorous growth as temperatures rise in spring.

Growing tips:
Plant in soil enriched with organic matter to encourage steady growth and vibrant foliage color. Light pruning after flowering helps maintain a balanced shape and promotes fresh branching without sacrificing next season’s blooms. Allow space for natural spreading to create a full, layered appearance. Applying a slow-release fertilizer in early spring supports healthy foliage and consistent flowering performance.

---SHIPPING NOTICE PLEASE READ BEFORE PURCHASING LIVE PLANTS!---

 We WILL NOT refund the purchase of or the shipping cost of live plants purchased with the intent to be shipped to states that do not authorize importing live plants or to states with restrictions! Purchases to these states will be held for 30 days for pick-up at our Slidell, Louisiana store and the shipping cost associated with these purchases will be held for the care of the plant while waiting to be picked up. All sales are final. If the plant(s) purchased are not picked up within 30 days from the date of order, these items will be returned to our sales inventory and you WILL NOT be refunded. Thank you for understanding these policies.

Due to regulations, certain states have restrictions on importing plants. Please review the list below to ensure you're not attempting to order any restricted plants in your area.

**Important Note:** We do not ship any plants outside the U.S.

State-Specific Restrictions - We ARE NOT responsible for any plant(s) that are not listed in these restrictions. Purchaser bears all responsibility for making sure the plant(s) they desire to purchase are not banned from being imported to the shipping state:

Arizona: Juglans spp.  

California: Castanea spp., Juglans spp., Pinus spp., Quercus spp.  

Colorado: Some counties restrict Prunus spp. Please verify your local county regulations.  

Florida: Castanea spp., Cornus spp., Quercus spp., Cornus mas 

Georgia: Vaccinium spp.

Hawaii: Pinus spp. 

Idaho: Humulus lupulus, Mentha spp., Vitis spp.

Indiana: Fragraria spp., Rosa spp. 

Kansas: Juglans spp.

Michigan: Abies spp., Vaccinium spp.

Montana: Pinus spp.

Nevada: Allium spp.

Mentha spp. 

New Jersey: Rosa spp.  

New York: Vitis spp.  

Oregon: Allium spp., Castanea spp., Corylus spp., Humulus lupulus, Quercus spp., Sambucus nigra, Ulmus spp., Vaccinium spp., Vitis spp.

Texas: Juglans spp. 

Washington: Allium spp., Castanea spp., Corylus spp., Humulus lupulus, Vaccinium spp., Vitis spp.  

Wisconsin: Abies spp., Pinus spp., Picea spp., Mentha spp. 

Additionally, we cannot ship plants in soil medium to the following states: AK, AL, AR, AZ, CA, HI, ID, KS, MS, MT, ND, NM, NV, OK, OR, SD, TX, UT, WA.