Virginia Willow (Sweetspire)

A versatile native shrub ideal for landscapes, pollinator gardens, and rain gardens. Virginia Willow thrives in a variety of conditions, from wet soils in floodplains to drier upland sites, making it an adaptable choice for many landscapes. It produces fragrant white flower clusters in spring, which attract pollinators, and its foliage transforms into stunning purplish-red hues in the fall. With its low-maintenance needs and ability to stabilize soil, it is a great addition to rain gardens, erosion-prone areas, and naturalized plantings.

Sizes Available

Wholesale Only

1 Gallon

$4.00

3 Gallon

$8.00

Found naturally in dome swamps, riverine swamps, and seep slopes, the Virginia Willow provides essential habitat and food for pollinators.

Scientific Name: Itea virginica
Common Name: Virginia Willow, Virginia Sweetspire
Hardiness Zones: 8A, 8B, 9A, 9B, 10A, 10B
Height: 5 to 8 feet
Spread: 4 to 6 feet
Growth Rate: Moderate

Foliage:

Spring & Summer: Lush green foliage with slightly toothed margins.
Fall: Turns deep purplish-red to garnet, lasting well into winter.

Bark: Thin, green to reddish-purple stems with crescent-shaped leaf scars.

Sun: Full sun to shade (flowers best with at least four hours of sun).
Soil: Adaptable to clay, loam, and sand; tolerates wet or dry conditions; pH range 5.0 to 7.0.
Wildlife Value: Attracts a wide variety of pollinators.

Why Choose Virginia Willow?

Thrives in Wet Soil

Thrives in wet soil, making it ideal for rain gardens and streambanks.

Ornamental

Provides long-lasting seasonal interest with fragrant blooms and vivid fall color.

Low Maintainence

Low maintenance with minimal pruning and fertilization needs.

Erosion Control

Excellent for erosion control due to its suckering habit.

Featured Projects

Salvador Wildlife Management Area Reforestation

We were proud to be one of the growers for this 20,000-acre reforestation project in Louisiana, where over 4 million Bald Cypress were planted to restore wetlands, capture carbon, and enhance coastal resilience.

The Legacy of The Senator Lives On

Sixteen years ago, we partnered with forestry researchers and a science teacher on an ambitious mission: cloning one of the world's oldest trees, The Senator, a 3,500-year-old bald cypress. When this ancient giant was tragically lost to fire in 2012, our work became more vital than ever. Today, its legacy lives on through The Phoenix—an identical clone now flourishing in Big Tree Park.

Phone

(386) 294-1211

Email

cflat@windstream.net

Address

3087 North County Road 53 Mayo, Florida 32066