| 1–3 | — | $59.00 ea |
|---|---|---|
| 4-9 | 5% off | $56.05 ea |
| 10-15 | 15% off | $50.15 ea |
| 16-23 | 25% off | $44.25 ea |
| 24+ | 35% off | $38.35 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.
| 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. |
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.
| 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 |
Yes, it can sucker and form a small colony, which is useful in the right bed.
No, it is deciduous, so do not use it as a winter privacy plant.
No, just clean up stray suckers or shape lightly after flowering if needed.
Pro Growers of New England, Inc
SKU:PGNE-31130
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They're very "leggy" right now but that's not unexpected in the fall. Otherwise, they look healthy, and we're looking forward to seeing them next year.
These look so good! They're nice and full and lush. Should be amazing next summer.
So far so good! Ordering was easy. So was pickup. We're looking forward to seeing how it does in the spring.
Showed up on time and planted it perfectly. I indicated a light we had to illuminate it and they placed it for optimal lighting. Worked fast and left a clean worksite. First rate!
Really great website, communication and installation. Very happy customer and would recommend them.
They delivered three trees: a big linden, a big poplar and a little spice bush with install on the big trees. The install guys were great and professional and fast. All the trees looked good with minimal damage.
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!
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!
