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1–3
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$55.00 ea
4-9
5% off
$52.25 ea
10-19
10% off
$49.50 ea
20+
15% off
$46.75 ea
Out of stock
Itea virginica 'Merlot'
Choose Merlot Virginia Sweetspire if you want a compact native shrub with strong fall color and early-summer white flowers. The main tradeoff: it can sucker, so give it a bed where spreading is useful, not a problem.
Buy This If
You want native shrub color.
You can allow some spreading.
Your soil does not dry hard.
Skip This If
You need winter screening.
You want a clipped shape.
The site is hot and dry.
PGNE Report Card
Category
Grade
Why
Landscape Impact
B+
It earns its keep with early flowers and deep fall color, especially when planted in a group.
Growth Rate
B
It fills in at a steady pace without becoming an instant screen.
Maintenance
B
Routine pruning is light, but suckers may need managing if you want a fixed edge.
Deer Resistance
B+
Deer tend to leave this alone, though hungry deer may sample it where pressure is heavy.
Small Space Fit
B
Its compact habit works near homes, but spreading roots make it better for beds than tight corners.
Screening Value
C
It can fill a low border, but it drops leaves and is not meant for privacy.
Our Experience
At PGNE, we'd typically recommend Merlot for mixed borders, foundation groupings, and damp-edged beds where a spreading native shrub can fill in naturally without constant shaping.
Plant Facts
Mature Height
3-4 ft
Mature Width
3-4 ft
Hardiness Zones
5a-9b
Spacing
3 ft for solid hedges; 6+ ft for space between plants
Sun
Sun to part shade
Moisture
Moist but well-drained
Growth Habit
Spreading/suckering
Customers Usually Ask
Will it spread?
Yes, it can sucker and form a small colony, which is useful in the right bed.
Is it evergreen?
No, it is deciduous, so do not use it as a winter privacy plant.
Does it need a lot of pruning?
No, just clean up stray suckers or shape lightly after flowering if needed.
Privacy & Screening: Many varieties grow dense and full, making them ideal for natural hedges and property boundaries.
Seasonal Color & Texture: From evergreen foliage to flowering varieties, shrubs provide visual interest in every season.
Shrubs Grown to Perform in New England
At Pro Growers of New England, our shrubs are grown and maintained locally to perform in true New England conditions. From flowering varieties to evergreen foundation plants, each shrub is properly spaced, pruned, and cared for to develop strong root systems and balanced structure before it ever reaches your landscape.
Unlike large online sellers that ship plants long distances, we invite you to visit our nursery, walk the rows, and inspect the exact shrubs available. You can see the size, health, and fullness in person — ensuring there are no surprises upon delivery.
We use your zone to recommend plants that survive your winters, and to estimate when your
order ships — we ship each plant when the weather where you live is right for it.
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Joseph Sico
I went up there today from Quincy MA to pick up two Blue Wichita Junipers and they were absolutely beautiful. Thank you, Chris and everybody from Pro Growers of New England!
Wichita Blue Juniper
Aileen Maconi
The plants are beautiful and all 13 were consistent in height and width. And at a fraction of the cost of other garden centers. Having the team that delivered them do the planting was one of the best values I can think of. They did a great job from start to finish and even helped me with my watering system which they didn’t have to do!
Emerald Green Arborvitae
Steve Holsberg
Very nice
Guys installed for me as well
Great job
Steeds Japanese Holly
Carrie Peabody
Huge selection and fast delivery. All plants arrived in great condition.
Pro Growers of New England, Inc
Linda Albert
Great prices and Unbelievable selection of big and small trees, shrubs, and flowering perennials! Nicest folks to work with. And local delivery is awesome! First time purchasing from this company, , and have already told friends, neighbors and family. The owner Chris is professional, knowledgeable, and yet laid back in a most friendly way. Mags in the office will help with any details. My all time BEST garden purchase EVER!
Bought 8-10 ft and all were barely 8 if you count the container. Trees are thin and lots of brown branches and broken branches due you thrown in box truck no wrapping or anything. Hoping they survive and thicken up quick…
I went up there today from Quincy MA to pick up two Blue Wichita Junipers and they were absolutely beautiful. Thank you, Chris and everybody from Pro Growers of New England!