Holly-leaved Sweetspire

itea ilicifolia

Also known as: ["Griselinia holly","Hollyleaf Sweetspire"]

Family: Iteaceae Genus: Itea Category: Shrubs

Overview

A deciduous shrub with holly-like leaves and fragrant, spire-shaped flowers in summer.

Benefits & Perks

["fragrant flowers","aesthetic foliage","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)"]

Botanical Classification

Phylum: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Rosales
Family: Iteaceae
Genus: Itea
Botanical Name: Itea ilicifolia

Plant Characteristics

Basic Information
  • Category: Shrubs
  • Suitable Location: partially shaded garden bed or container with protection from harsh afternoon sun
  • Suitable For:
    Collectors & Enthusiasts Outdoor Landscapers Fragrance Lovers
  • Is Weed: No
  • Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
  • Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–30°C"}
  • Hardiness: {"zones":"7–9"}
  • Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
  • Drainage: Moderately well-draining; avoid waterlogged conditions.
  • Soil Type: Well-draining, fertile soil with organic matter; can tolerate slightly acidic to neutral pH.
Maintenance Level
  • Maintenance Level: moderate
  • Toughness Level: moderate
  • Pruning Frequency: Annually in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
  • Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of old growth if needed.
Care Details

Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Partial shade to full sun (4–6 hours of morning sun); protect from harsh afternoon sun in summer.

Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to direct sun; avoid sudden exposure to intense light; place in dappled shade during peak summer.

Warning Signs: Yellowing leaves (overwatering or poor drainage); stunted growth (nutrient deficiency or compacted soil).

Care Requirements

Care Difficulty
moderate

moderate

Sunlight

partial shade to full sun

Morning sun is ideal; provide shade in afternoon; rotate plant for even growth.

Watering

every 7–10 days during growing season, reduce in winter

Water thoroughly but allow soil to dry between waterings; avoid overwatering, especially in winter.

Soil

well-draining, fertile loam with organic matter

pH: 6.0–7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral).

Ensure good drainage; enrich with organic matter; avoid compacted soil.

Temperature

Hardy in USDA zones 6–8; tolerates temperatures between 50–75°F (10–24°C); prefers cool roots.

Protect from frost; provide shade in summer; maintain consistent temperatures.

Fertilizing

every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer

Fertilize in spring only; dilute liquid fertilizer to half strength; avoid fertilizing stressed plants.

Propagation

Methods

Softwood cuttings in summer; layering can also be successful.

Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
  1. Take 4–6 inch cuttings.
  2. Remove lower leaves.
  3. Dip in rooting hormone.
  4. Plant in medium.
  5. Maintain humidity.

Best Time: Late spring to early summer when new growth is firm but not woody.

Environment

High humidity (70–90%); warm temperatures (65–75°F); indirect light.

Medium

Peat-based mix with perlite or sand for good drainage.

Hormone

Rooting hormone is recommended to improve success rates.

Timeline

Roots may develop in 4–8 weeks; establish in new pot after 3–6 months.

Tools Needed

Pruners, rooting hormone, propagation tray, humidity dome, misting spray bottle.

Quick Tips

Use healthy, non-flowering stems; maintain consistent moisture; provide bottom heat if possible.

Pruning & Repotting

Pruning Guide
Method

Thinning cuts to open the plant; heading back to encourage branching.

Pruning Plan

Prune to maintain shape, encourage bushiness, and remove dead or weak growth.

Tools

Sharp bypass pruners, loppers for larger branches, pruning saw for thick stems.

Checklist

Sterilize tools; prune dead/damaged wood; shape the plant; clean up debris.

Repotting Guide
Best Season

Early spring before active growth starts.

Pot Size

Increase pot size by 2–3 inches in diameter; avoid oversized pots.

Method

Remove plant gently; trim roots if crowded; use fresh potting mix; ensure good drainage.

Suggestions

Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the container; beneficial for container-grown plants.

Checklist

Choose new pot; prepare fresh soil; inspect roots; water after repotting.

Advanced Care Tips

Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist

Check soil moisture; water deeply; ensure drainage; adjust for season.

How to Apply Water Properly

Water at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone; allow excess water to drain away; water early in the day to minimize evaporation.

Pro Tip: Use a watering can with a narrow spout to direct water to the roots without wetting foliage.
Watering Schedule Tips

Water deeply once the top inch of soil feels dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.

Soil Improvement

Add compost or well-rotted manure; incorporate perlite or sand for drainage; mulch with organic material.

Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues

Leaf scorch in excessive heat; leaf drop or browning in cold stress.

Cold Stress

Leaves may turn yellow or brown; growth slows; potential dieback in severe cold.

Solution: Mulch around the base; protect from frost with a frost cloth; avoid overwatering in cold.

Hot Stress

Wilting, leaf scorch, or leaf drop; reduced flowering in extreme heat.

Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase humidity; water deeply but avoid waterlogging.

Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist

Use balanced fertilizer; apply in spring; avoid late-season feeding.

Fertilizing Method

Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring; avoid high-nitrogen formulas; reduce or stop fertilizing in late summer/autumn.

Common Problems & Solutions

Yellowing leaves in Itea ilicifolia may indicate nutrient deficiencies, overwatering, or pest infestations, affecting photosynthesis and overall plant health.

Wilting in Itea ilicifolia can result from water stress, either due to under or overwatering, root damage, or pest infestations, leading to reduced turgor pressure and potential plant death.

Leaf spots on Itea ilicifolia may be caused by fungal or bacterial infections, leading to reduced photosynthetic efficiency, premature leaf drop, and potential spread to other parts of the plant.

Rotting, particularly root or stem rot, in Itea ilicifolia is often caused by excessive moisture and poor drainage, leading to decay, loss of structural integrity, and eventual plant death.

Toxicity Warning

Cats
Non-toxic

Itea ilicifolia is not considered toxic to cats. There are no known adverse effects or physiological impacts when ingested or handled by cats.

⚡ Toxic If:

Generally not toxic

No specific safety precautions are required for keeping this plant around cats.
Dogs
Non-toxic

Itea ilicifolia is not considered toxic to dogs. There are no known adverse effects or physiological impacts when ingested or handled by dogs.

⚡ Toxic If:

Generally not toxic

No specific safety precautions are required for keeping this plant around dogs.
Humans
Non-toxic

Itea ilicifolia is not considered toxic to humans under normal circumstances. There are no known toxic effects or physiological impacts associated with this plant.

⚡ Toxic If:

Generally not toxic

No specific safety precautions are required for handling or growing this plant around humans.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Does Itea ilicifolia have fragrant flowers?

A: Yes, it produces fragrant, spire-shaped flowers in summer.

Q: Is Itea ilicifolia toxic to pets?

A: Information on toxicity to pets is currently unknown.

Q: What are the common problems with Itea ilicifolia?

A: Common issues include leaf spots and wilting.

Quick Reference
Family: Iteaceae
Care: moderate
Light: partial shade to full sun
Water: every 7–10 days during growi
Suitable For: ["collectors/enthusiasts","outdoor landscapers","fragrance lovers"]
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