Itea 'Little Henry' offers fragrant white bottlebrush flowers in early summer followed by brilliant red burgundy fall foliage. Ideal for small spaces, foundation plantings, and naturalistic landscapes due to its tidy size and multiseasonal interest.
Height & Spread: 2 - 3 ft x 3 - 4 ft
Bloom Time: Late spring to early summer
Light Requirements: Full sun to part shade
Soil Preference: Moist, acidic, well drained soil; tolerates clay
Watering Needs: Moderate; prefers consistent moisture but tolerates brief dry periods
Deer Resistance: Deer resistant once established
Native Status
This cultivar is derived from the native Itea virginica, which is indigenous to the southeastern United States, especially in moist woodlands and stream banks.
WILDLIFE & INSECTS
Butterflies
- Attracts butterflies such as Red Admiral and Spicebush Swallowtail with its nectar rich summer blooms.
Bees
- Flowers support a variety of native bees including small carpenter bees, mining bees, and sweat bees during peak bloom.
Spacing & Landscape Use
Spacing Recommendations
- Space 3 - 4 ft apart to accommodate spreading habit and natural form.
Landscape Placement
- Great for low hedges, rain gardens, woodland edges, and mixed shrub borders. Its compact size makes it suitable for smaller landscapes and urban gardens.
Companion Plants
- Clethra alnifolia (Summersweet) - Shares similar moisture and shade preferences while blooming slightly later, extending seasonal interest.
- Aronia melanocarpa (Black Chokeberry) - Offers white spring blooms and dark berries, complementing Itea's flowers and fall foliage.
- Amsonia hubrichtii (Arkansas Blue Star) - Adds fine textured foliage and golden fall color to echo and contrast Itea’s autumn tones.
- Carex pensylvanica (Pennsylvania Sedge) - Provides soft, native ground cover beneath Itea’s arching form.
- Hydrangea arborescens 'Annabelle' - Offers bold flower clusters and a similar tolerance for part shade and moist soil.