Sunny Ray's Nursery, LLC.

Itea virginiana ‘Merlot’                                                   Dwarf Virginia Sweetspire

 Size; 3’ X 3’ (can sucker somewhat)

 Exposure:  Full sun to Part shade (will tolerate full high shade well)

 Flower Time:  June

 Ornamental Characteristics:

 A dwarf form of the species, Merlot displays numerous spikes of fragrant, white flowers around June, which are effective for several weeks.  Once past, the clean, green leaves remain attractive until the cooler temperatures of fall begin to work their magic.  Sometime in October, the foliage takes on a deep maroon color, lasting into December. This color can be relied upon year after year without fear of climatic variations.  After the leaves have fallen, the stems take on the same deep maroon hue.  While there is a much more advertised dwarf selection of Itea out, Merlot, at least from our experiences, is a much more superior plant.  Its growth is more dense and uniform, the fall color is more intense and reliable, and it does not seem to sucker as much.  Of course, that is just our opinion.