Itea ilicifolia
Itea ilicifolia - an established plant flowering in summer.
Itea ilicifolia
Itea ilicifolia - an established plant flowering in summer.

Itea ilicifolia

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£45.00

(Holly-leaf Sweetspire) A beautiful but slow growing, evergreen shrub native to Western China which has dark green, glossy, holly-like leaves and masses of long, pendulous catkin-like, greenish-white flowers with a pleasing scent in mid-summer.

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Delivery Options
(For any number of plants sent by courier)

Standard: £6.95*
Delivered in 2-3 working days
Priority: £15
Shipped ASAP
Click & Collect: free
*Surcharges apply for Highlands & Islands.

£6.95 standard delivery for ANY number of plants to most of the UK*
Free delivery for orders over £60*
*Surcharges apply for Northern Scotland and Islands

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One of the best evergreen shrubs for attracting bees and butterflies! One free plant per person only.

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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.
How Much Sun
Full Sun
Eventual Size
Shrub - Large (3m+)
Growing Conditions
Site: Coastal Areas, Soil: Dry/Sandy
Special Features
Catkins, Evergreen, Flowers in Summer, Honey Fungus Resistant, Scented, Rare and Unusual

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