Plant types

Plant styles

Planting conditions

Seasonal interest

Nurseries & Gardens

Photo by A. Barra

This file is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0 Generic license.

Show all photos

Buy Itea ilicifolia

Also Known As

Holly Leaved Sweetspire
Hollyleaf Sweetspire

Plant type

shrub

size

H: 10'-15'
W: 10'-15'

planting zones

7a-10b

1 gallon bagged root ball | $36

Ships UPS, flat charge based on order total.

30 at Gossler Farms

4" | $19

Ships USPS, based on weight/location

Fewer than 23 at Secret Garden Growers

More Options

Itea ilicifolia plant details

Yes! Absolutely covered in foot long dangling tassels of tiny sweet smelling creamy greeny flowers in the summer. Such an elegant option that does double duty as a focal point and an evergreen privacy screen.

Itea ilicifolia is a broadleaf evergreen shrub with green foliage. In summer green and white flowers emerge. Features glossy texture. Attracts bees making it an excellent addition to pollinator gardens. Grows well with sun - mostly shade and even moisture - regular water. Adapts to various soil conditions. Does well in average, rich and well-drained soil.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Itea ilicifolia

Plant type: shrub
Plant family: iteaceae
Foliage: evergreen green
Mature size: 10 FT - 15 FT - wide, 10 FT - 15 FT - tall
Flowers: green and white blooms in summer
Uses: dangling flowers, espalier, fragrant, screen

GROWING CONDITIONS for Itea ilicifolia

USDA Zones: 7a - 10b
Sun exposure: sun - mostly shade
Watering frequency: even moisture - regular
Resistant to: deer and rabbit
Soil needs: average, rich and well-drained

We independently publish plant data to search multiple nurseries at once. We may earn a commission on qualifying purchases when you buy through our links.

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

This evergreen shrub has twisted, spiny (not sharp) leaves. The flowers are 6” green tassels in June-July. Probably not permanently hardy in the Willamette Valley.

By: Gossler Farms

This EG, 6-15' shrub is a treat in late summer with its shiny holly-like leaves and 6-12" pendulous racemes of tiny but fragrant flowers. S/M (not dry)

By: Forestfarm

12" long pendent flowers in early summertime on evergreen shrub to 10' tall. Smart choice for espalier against a cool partly shaded wall.

By: Dancing Oaks Nursery

Foot long, fragrant racemes of tiny, greenish white flowers drip down in summer from this graceful, 10', evergreen shrub with its soft, holly-like leaves. Bees love it. You will, too, in the background, as a specimen or an effective screen. For shade or part sun with protection from the afternoon sun in hottest places. Prefers rich soil and regular summer water. Frost hardy to 5 °F, mid USDA zone 7.