About Itea virginica L.
Itea virginica L. is a deciduous multi-stemmed shrub. It grows to 2.5 m (8.2 ft) tall and 1.5 m (4.9 ft) wide, with arching stems that bear alternate, simple leaves. Stems branch infrequently, only branching near the tops. This species suckers and forms colonies, and may become semi-evergreen when grown in favorable conditions. Its white or cream flowers grow in downward-pointing, slightly curved spikes, and bloom in summer. In autumn, its leaves turn shades of red. It is hardy to temperatures as low as at least −29 °C (−20 °F). The natural range of I. virginica runs from New Jersey south to Florida, and extends west to Texas and Oklahoma. It has been found growing in shaded, wet habitats including swamps, wooded floodplains, pine forests, and hydric hammocks.
