Itea virginica 'Merlot'

Merlot Virginia Sweetspire

Itea virginica ‘Merlot’ — commonly called Virginia sweetspire — is a compact deciduous shrub selected for its rich burgundy-red new growth, fragrant white flower spikes in late spring to early summer, and intense deep wine-red fall color. Its dense, mounded habit is smaller and more compact than ‘Henry’s Garnet,’ making it especially useful where strong seasonal color is desired in limited space.

Type: Deciduous shrub

Mature Size:
Width: 3–4 ft
Height: 3–4 ft

USDA Zones: 5a–9b

Form: Rounded, compact, mounding

Light: Full sun to partial shade

Soil: Moist, organically rich soil; adaptable to clay and wet soils

Water: Medium; prefers consistent moisture but tolerates short dry periods once established

Wildlife: Attracts bees and butterflies; deer resistant

Features & Landscape Uses: Excellent for foundation plantings, mixed shrub borders, rain gardens, woodland edges, and mass plantings. Its compact size and strong burgundy foliage make it valuable for smaller landscapes.

Care: Prune after flowering if shaping is needed, since blooms form on old wood. Maintain moisture during establishment for best performance. Suckers may be removed if a tighter habit is desired.

Plant type

Deciduous Shrub, Flowering Deciduous Shrub

Height

3-4'

Width

3-4'

Hardiness zones

5–9

Sunlight

Full Sun, Partial Shade

Growth rate

Moderate

Bloom time

Early Summer, Late Spring

Flower color

White

Leaf color

Brown

Attracts

Butterflies

Soil

Moist well-drained, Rich, Tolerant of Clay

Landscape use

Accent Plant, Container, Foundation, Mass Planting

Shape

Arching, Compact, Rounded

Bark

Smooth

Fragrant

Yes

Deer resistant

Yes

Drought tolerant

No