It39s easy to see why itea virginica is also named sweet spire from july to september panicles of sweet45smelling flowers hang from its mound45forming foliage these white blooms open slowly beginning at the base and rising to the tip creating a unique and ever45changing summer display this shrub is far from a one45trick pony for as soon as this show ends another begins the deciduous leaves turns spectacular shades of red and purple to mark the onset of winter even in its