BlueBell Arboretum & Nursery

Mail order trees, shrubs, conifers and woody climbers

Description

An superb semi-evergreen shrub, Itea yunnanensis has masses of long, drooping racemes of white, catkin like flowers, up to 20 cm long in summer.

This plant resembles the more commonly seen Itea ilicifolia, but differs in that it has longer, slightly more narrow leaves and flowers which are perhaps a little more white in colour. A specimen in our garden gives a display of excellent red/purple autumn colour in winters which are cold enough to cause the leaves to fall. Flowering shrub ideal for growing against a sunny wall or fence.

Features

• Common name: Chinese Sweetspire
• Position: Warm in full sun or partial shade.
• Soil: Well drained, fertile soil.
• Hardiness: Reasonably hardy. Itea yunnanensis appreciates shelter from strong winter winds.
• Flowering Period: July - August.
• Flower Colour: White
• Rate of Growth: Moderate.
• Habit: Eventually a large, branching shrub.
• Height: 4 m (13 ft).
• Spread: 2.5 m (8 ft).
• Notes: In our experience, the best Itea yunnanensis are often seen growing against warm, sunny, south or south-west facing walls or fences.
• Supplied Size: 3L containers (40 - 60 cm tall)