Itea ilicifolia
holly-leaved sweet spire
A medium-sized evergreen shrub with glossy, holly-like, broadly oval leaves to 10cm in length. Small, greenish-white flowers in drooping racemes to 30cm in length are strongly honey-scented and borne in profusion from mid summer
Size
Ultimate height
2.5–4 metresTime to ultimate height
10–20 yearsUltimate spread
1.5–2.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green White | Green | ||
| Autumn | Green White | Green | ||
| Winter | Green |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
North–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H5Botanical details
- Family
- Iteaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Bushy
- Genus
Itea can be deciduous shrubs, or evergreen shrubs or small trees, with small white, cream or pale green flowers
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- China
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in well-drained soil in a sheltered position in full sun or partial shade
Propagation
Propagate by seed or semi-hardwood cuttings
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Wall side borders
Pruning
Pruning group 9 or Pruning group 13 if wall trained
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
May be susceptible to honey fungus in gardens where it is present but insufficient data to determine degree of susceptibility
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