It takes a special plant to be named a Mississippi Medallion winner, and the Mississippi native Virginia sweetspire was one of the plants that earned that honor this year.
The Mississippi Nursery and Landscape Association names Medallion winners based on their superior performance in gardens and landscapes across the state. In response to renewed interest in native plants, the association has begun choosing a Mississippi native each year for one of its awards.
This year’s selection is known botanically as Itea virginica. The shrub has an erect, densely branched stem when grown in full sun. In partial shade, it grows more open and loose. Virginia sweetspire typically grows 3 to 6 feet tall and wide in a landscape setting. Prune if needed to keep the plant neat and tidy.

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