Cynthia - Thanks for the compliment. I am always looking for something different to try, and trying to stay with native and VERY well adapted plants. Tired of replacing experiments and untested plants - too expensive.
I didn't get back to your other thread about the bloomers for shade, so, sorry I didn't see your followup question. I got my Va. Sweetspire at Green Mama's, but they are closed now. I haven't seen them anywhere else - maybe another native nursery would be more likely to have them, or online.
They like moderate water, and don't like to dry out AT ALL. I have mine planted next to a sidewalk were water pools for a few hours after a good rain. They are planted a bit higher so they don't actually sit in the pool but get the advantage of the soaking. They also get hit with the sprinkler system, but that is usually only every 5 days unless it's been really hot and dry, and then maybe every 3 days. Soil is ammended clay, so something that azaleas were in would probably be heaven for them. They may sucker more in the lighter mix. Mine are starting to get the first hint of fall color. Looking forward to the show.
The clethera someone else mentioned in that thread is also pretty. I have had it before, and if I remember correctly the fall color was basically yellowish/goldish. I think it croaked on me but I don't remember why - been quite a few years since I had it.
Hope you can find the sweetspire. Since its focus is the fall color, maybe they will be in the nurseries this time of year to show it off. Good luck!