Itea ilicifolia

An evergreen shrub native to Western China, Itea ilicifolia has dark green, glossy, holly-like leaves and long catkin-like, greenish-white flowers with a pleasing scent in mid-summer.

Rather lax in habit, this delightful shrub is most often grown and trained against a wall where the reflected heat encourages more flowers and better growth, although in warmer parts of the U.K., Itea ilicifolia grows to be a striking standalone plant.

Generally speaking Itea illicifolia is slow growing when young until the roots settle down and it picks up vigour and therefore not for instant gratification.

• Position: Warm in full sun or partial shade.
• Soil: Well drained, fertile soil.
• Hardiness: Reasonably hardy. Itea ilicifolia appreciates shelter from strong winter winds.
• Flowering Period: July - August.
• Flower Colour: Greenish-white
• Rate of Growth: Very slow until established then moderate.
• Habit: Eventually a large, branching shrub.
  • Height: 3 - 4 m (10 - 13 ft).
  • Spread: 2 - 2.5 m (6 - 8 ft).

• Notes: In our experience, the best Itea ilicifolia are often seen growing against warm, sunny, south or south-west facing walls or fences.