Sweetspire

About this plant

Elevate your landscape with the enchanting Itea virginica 'Scentlandia', a remarkable deciduous shrub celebrated for its outstanding fragrance and season-long interest. In late spring to early summer, prepare to be captivated by a profusion of delicate, creamy-white flower spikes, each emitting a sweet, intoxicating perfume that will draw in pollinators and delight garden visitors. Beyond its fragrant blossoms, 'Scentlandia' shines with a neat, compact growth habit, making it an ideal choice for smaller gardens, foundation plantings, or mass plantings. As autumn arrives, its glossy green foliage transforms into a spectacular display of vibrant reds and purples, providing a breathtaking splash of color that extends the gardening season. Extremely adaptable and low-maintenance, this cultivar thrives in a range of conditions, tolerating both sun and partial shade, and performing well in moist to average soils. Its deer-resistant nature further enhances its appeal, ensuring a beautiful, unblemished presence in your garden.

Installation timing

When we're in season, outside of the winter months, our goal is to get your plants installed within about two weeks. That window gives us enough time to secure your plants from our supplier and find a spot on the schedule. Throughout the process we stay in touch through notifications and your existing client portal on the main A Cut Above website, which is separate from this landscaping plants shop.

Care & maintenance

Easily maintained, 'Scentlandia' benefits from light pruning after flowering to maintain shape and encourage new growth. No significant pest or disease issues. Mulch around the base to retain moisture and regulate soil temperature.

Watering suggestions

Proper watering is the single most important factor in your plant's survival after installation. Newly installed plants have a limited root system and rely on you for consistent moisture while they establish.

• First 2 weeks: Water deeply every day (or every other day in cooler, wet weather), soaking the root ball and surrounding soil.
• Weeks 3–12: Water deeply 2–3 times per week, adjusting for rain, heat, and soil drainage.
• After establishment: Water deeply about once a week during the growing season, and more often in extreme heat or drought.
• How to check: Stick a finger 2–3 inches into the soil near the roots — if it's dry, it's time to water. Deep, less-frequent watering encourages strong roots; shallow daily sprinkles do not.
• Avoid: Overwatering (soggy, waterlogged soil) is just as harmful as underwatering and can drown roots.

Watering needs vary by plant, season, soil, and exposure. Because proper watering is the customer's responsibility after installation, please make sure you understand and can follow these suggestions before ordering.

Good to know: plants and trees purchased from and installed by A Cut Above include a one-year limited warranty from the date of installation. Because plant survival depends heavily on proper watering and care after installation, losses caused by improper care, neglect, animal or chemical damage, or extreme weather are not covered, and we must be given the chance to inspect a struggling plant before it's removed or replaced. Coverage is one replacement per plant. Read our warranty info.