About
This compact, upright then arching deciduous shrub to 1.5m tall, with narrowly ellliptic, finely toothed, dark green leaves. aromatic, creamy white flowers are borne in dense, erect spikes to 15cm long in summer. A free-flowering cultivar that takes on excellent, fiery red and purple autumn colour. Cultivate in a moist shrub border or as a free-standing specimen.
About the genus
Itea can be deciduous shrubs, or evergreen shrubs or small trees, with small white, cream or pale green flowers
Growing conditions
SunlightPartial shade
Soil typeClay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectEast-facing, North-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height1-1.5 metres
Spread1-1.5 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden
FragranceFlower
Care notes
CultivationGrow in moist, slightly acid soil in partial shade
PruningSee pruning group 2
PropagationPropagate by sowing seed as soon as ripe in containers in an open frame, or by greenwood cuttings
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to honey fungus in gardens where it is present but insufficient data to determine degree of susceptibility