FIZZY MIZZY® SWEETSPIRE

2 gallon

$40.29

Itea Virginica 'SMNIVMM' FIZZY MIZZY® PP33549

$40.29

The Fizzy Mizzy® Sweetspire (Itea virginica) is a fantastic choice for gardeners looking for a compact, pollinator-friendly shrub that offers multi-season interest. Its upright white flower spikes in late spring and brilliant burgundy foliage in autumn make it a standout in any landscape.

Photo courtesy of Proven Winners® Color Choice®

Quick Facts

Mature Height	2-3 feet
Mature Spread	2-3 feet
Grow Zone	USDA Zones 5-9
Bloom Time	May

Plant Care

Will this plant thrive in your climate?

Make sure you live within USDA Zones 5-9 by checking our Grow Zone Guide.

To ensure your Fizzy Mizzy thrives, prioritize location and soil moisture. This variety is incredibly versatile and can handle conditions ranging from full sun to full shade.

Sunlight: For the best fall color and maximum blooms, plant in full sun to partial shade.
Soil: It prefers moist, well-drained acidic soil. While it is adaptable to various soil types (including clay), it does not like to dry out completely.
Spacing: Space plants approximately 2–3 feet apart to allow for its neat, mounded habit.
Watering: Water deeply and regularly after planting to establish a vigorous root system. Once established, maintain consistent moisture, especially during dry summer spells.

Fizzy Mizzy requires very little maintenance due to its naturally tidy, uniform shape, but occasional grooming helps keep it looking its best.

Timing: Prune immediately after flowering in early summer. Since Sweetspire blooms on "old wood" (stems from the previous year), pruning in winter or spring will remove the flower buds.
Method: Remove any dead, damaged, or wayward branches to maintain the desired shape.
Renewal: If the plant becomes too dense over several years, you can thin out one or two of the oldest stems at the base to encourage fresh, vigorous growth.

Regular feeding supports the lush foliage and the "fizzy" white blooms that give this plant its name.

When to Fertilize: Apply a slow-release fertilizer in early spring just as new growth begins to emerge.
Type: Use a balanced, general-purpose garden fertilizer or one formulated for acid-loving plants (like those used for Azaleas or Blueberries).
Application: Follow the package instructions to avoid over-fertilizing, which can lead to excessive leaf growth at the expense of flowers.

Fizzy Mizzy is quite hardy (USDA Zones 5–9), but a little preparation helps it bounce back quickly in the spring.

Mulching: Apply a 2–3 inch layer of organic mulch (like shredded bark or pine needles) around the base of the plant in late fall. This helps retain soil moisture and protects the root system from "heaving" during freeze-thaw cycles.
Hydration: Ensure the plant is well-watered through the autumn until the ground freezes.
Cleanup: Leave the spent foliage on the plant through the winter; the deep red-purple leaves provide beautiful winter interest and can be cleaned up if they drop naturally.

Account