Itea virginica Love Child

Itea virginica 'Love Child' is a variety of Virginia sweet spire with slow and limited growth, which forms a sphere of about 1m (3ft) in all directions, thus finding its place in the smallest gardens. This bush is remarkable for its scented white flowering in early summer. The flowers take the form of graceful pendulous clusters. Its beautiful tender green foliage turns to deep purple in autumn, further enhancing its ornamental interest. Very hardy, this Itea grows in sun or semi-shade, in acidic to neutral soil, remaining moist in summer. 

Native to North America, Itea virginica belongs to the Iteaceae family. In the past, it was attached to the equally small Grossulariaceae family, which mainly includes gooseberries. Itea virginica is the only species of the genus native to the American continent, all others come from Southeast Asia, like I. ilicifolia from China, the species probably most common in our gardens with this I. virginica.

Itea virginica has a slow growth rate. It develops about 1.5m (5ft) in all directions. Its tender green to medium green foliage is deciduous and takes on beautiful autumn colours in burgundy tones. Its summer flowering is particularly graceful, in the form of long clusters of small scented white flowers. In nature, this bush grows in coastal areas, in acidic to neutral soil. It prefers moist soil, as it does not like drought, even if it can temporarily withstand it once well-rooted. Hardy to -20°C (-4°F) without problem.

'Love Child' is very close to the species-type, but it has an even more compact habit, making it suitable for small gardens. This bush can be planted in an ericaceous bed.

Itea virginica 'Love Child' is not common in cultivation, but it will delight enthusiasts. Too small to be planted in isolation, it will be perfect in a flower bed, especially with ericaceous soil plants or similar. Hamamelis intermedia 'Diane' planted in the background will create an interesting scene almost all year round; its graceful flowers in small red filaments in winter will start the show while its foliage turning to yellow and red in autumn will support the burgundy purple of 'Love Child'. The superb Magnolia 'Betty', with its dark pink flowers in May, will precede the white clusters of our little Itea. And to take over in summer and autumn, the surprising Hydrangea macrophylla 'Light'o'Day', with its romantic flowers and variegated white foliage, will complete this colourful plant ensemble throughout the season.