PLANTFINDER

Description:

A terrific new selection that has proven to be hardier and tolerant to dry periods; exhibits dense racemes of white flowers in early summer and a spectacular scarlet display of foliage in the fall; an excellent border shrub

Ornamental Features

Scarlet Beauty Virginia Sweetspire has racemes of fragrant white flowers at the ends of the branches in early summer. It has green deciduous foliage. The narrow leaves turn an outstanding scarlet in the fall. The smooth brown bark and purple branches add an interesting dimension to the landscape.

Landscape Attributes

Scarlet Beauty Virginia Sweetspire is a dense spreading deciduous shrub with a shapely form and gracefully arching branches. Its average texture blends into the landscape, but can be balanced by one or two finer or coarser trees or shrubs for an effective composition.

This shrub will require occasional maintenance and upkeep, and should only be pruned after flowering to avoid removing any of the current season's flowers. Gardeners should be aware of the following characteristic(s) that may warrant special consideration;

• Suckering

Scarlet Beauty Virginia Sweetspire is recommended for the following landscape applications;

• General Garden Use
• Naturalizing And Woodland Gardens

Planting & Growing

Scarlet Beauty Virginia Sweetspire will grow to be about 4 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 6 feet. It tends to fill out right to the ground and therefore doesn't necessarily require facer plants in front. It grows at a medium rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for 40 years or more.

This shrub does best in full sun to partial shade. It is an amazingly adaptable plant, tolerating both dry conditions and even some standing water. It is not particular as to soil type or pH. It is somewhat tolerant of urban pollution. This is a selection of a native North American species.