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ITEA virginica 'Merlot'
Compact shrub with fragrant white flowers in summer. Wine-red autumn leaf colour
Further Reading....
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DeciduousNarrowly elliptic to oblong, finely toothed leaves to 10cm (4in) long with very attractive autumn colour
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White
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Height1m (39in)
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Spread1m (39in)
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Medium shrubTypically grow to around 4-6 feet in heightDense, compact shrub with flower clusters arching above the foliage
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Hardy - cold winterHardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters. May not withstand open/exposed sites or central/northern locations. Plant can withstand temperatures down to -15°C (5°F)
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Partial shade
ITEA virginica 'Merlot'
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Additional FeaturesPests & DiseasesTrouble freePlace of originGarden origin. USA. Mark Griffith, Georgia
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Flower ShapeRacemesDense, erect racemes to 10cm (4in) long
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HardinessFully hardy
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Leaf marginSerrulate
(see photos above) -
Leaf shapeElliptic
(see photos above) Oblong(see photos above) -
Pruning groupPruning group 2Suitable for: Deciduous shrubs and trees that flower in Spring or early Summer on previous year's growth, including plants that produce new growth at or near ground level.
Pruning: Prune flowered shoots to strong buds. Cut back approximately 1/4 of old shoots to the base to promote replacement growth.
When: Annually, after flowering.
RHS groups 2 & 3 -
Scented PlantsScented flowers
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Seasonal InterestAutumnSummer
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Soil ConditionsNeutral to acid soilPrefers slightly acid soil
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WildlifeBee friendly
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Itea Growing Guide
1m (39in)
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1m (39in) |
Useful extras...

Fertilisers & Feeds - Vitax
Q4 Pelleted Fertiliser
A useful fertiliser suitable for use on a wide variety of plants. Q4 provides all the nutrients and trace elements essential for vigorous growth, abundant flowering and ripening of fruit.
3 options from £6.00

Fertilisers & Feeds - Empathy
Rootgrow mycorrhizal fungi
Recommended by the RHS. Contains Rootgrow™ mycorrhizal fungi. Suitable for all trees and shrubs (except rhododendrons, azaleas, heathers, cranberries and blueberries)
2 options from £6.00

Fertilisers & Feeds - Empathy
All-purpose Seaweed Stimulant
All-purpose organic concentrated seaweed feed that is a ready to use, derived from sustainable harvested kelp, that can be used on all outdoor and indoor plants, except acid loving plants.
Perfect used in conjunction with Rootgrow™.
Only £7.50

Garden Goodies
Slate Plant Labels
These wonderfully tactile natural slate plant labels are hand made in Cornwall and come with a chalk pen.
Just stick them in your pot or border. Pack of 6.
Only £10.20

Garden Goodies
Slate Tie-on Plant Labels
Hand made in Cornwall, these delightful natural slate labels are perfect for pots.
Comes with chalk pen. Pack of 5
Only £10.20