{"product_id":"itea-merlot","title":"Itea 'Merlot'","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eItea 'Merlot'\u003c\/strong\u003e is a refined compact selection of Virginia sweetspire known for its richly colored fall foliage that turns a deep wine red, even in partly shaded conditions. Its arching stems bear fragrant white flower spikes in early summer, and its size and adaptability make it an excellent choice for gardens and native plant borders.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHeight \u0026amp; Spread:\u003c\/strong\u003e 3 - 4 ft x 3 - 4 ft\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBloom Time:\u003c\/strong\u003e Late spring to early summer\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLight Requirements:\u003c\/strong\u003e Full sun to part shade\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSoil Preference:\u003c\/strong\u003e Moist, fertile, slightly acidic to neutral soils\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWatering Needs:\u003c\/strong\u003e Moderate; appreciates consistent moisture and tolerates seasonal flooding\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDeer Resistance:\u003c\/strong\u003e Moderately deer resistant\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eNative Status\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis cultivar is a selection of the native Itea virginica, which is indigenous to the southeastern U.S. and commonly found in wetland and forest understory habitats.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWILDLIFE \u0026amp; INSECTS\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eButterflies\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNectar source for butterflies such as Eastern Tiger Swallowtail, Little Wood Satyr, and Question Mark.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBees\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAttracts small native bees and honeybees during bloom with abundant nectar and pollen.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSpacing \u0026amp; Landscape Use\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpacing Recommendations\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSpace 3 - 4 ft apart to allow mature spread and maximize foliage display.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLandscape Placement\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBest in naturalized plantings, shade gardens, low wet areas, or massed in borders for dramatic fall color and structure.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eCompanion Plants\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eGeranium maculatum (Wild Geranium)\u003c\/strong\u003e - Offers delicate blooms in part shade, creating a soft underplanting beneath Itea’s structure.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFothergilla gardenii (Dwarf Fothergilla)\u003c\/strong\u003e - Enhances fall interest with multicolored foliage and earlier season blooms.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOsmunda cinnamomea (Cinnamon Fern)\u003c\/strong\u003e - Adds vertical texture and thrives in similar moist, shaded conditions.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eVaccinium corymbosum (Highbush Blueberry)\u003c\/strong\u003e - Shares acidic soil preference and complements Itea with spring flowers and summer fruit.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSolidago caesia (Blue Stem Goldenrod)\u003c\/strong\u003e - Provides late season yellow blooms and pollinator value in woodland edge settings.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Cicconi Farms","offers":[{"title":"15 Gallon","offer_id":45922386444449,"sku":"ITEA MERLOT","price":49.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0359\/3329\/0634\/products\/itemerl.jpg?v=1585925115","url":"https:\/\/cicconi-farms.myshopify.com\/products\/itea-merlot","provider":"Cicconi Farms","version":"1.0","type":"link"}