Chinese Sweetspire

Itea chinensis

$23.00
Low Stock

1 Gallon | Hardiness Zones 7-9

Medium to tall evergreen shrub with oval leaves about 3 inches long and 4 inch spikes of tiny white flowers in spring. This Asian relative of our native Sweetspire has been a good garden plant in the semi-shady border here and deserves to be more widely used in southern landscapes. Woodlanders was probably the first U.S. nursery to make this plant available here.
Plant Specs
  • Zones: 7 - 9
  • Sun: Full Sun and Part Shade
  • Soil: Moist and Well-drained
  • Height at Maturity: 10 - 12 Feet
  • Spread at Maturity: 4 - 6 Feet
  • Growth Rate: Moderate

Evergreen
Flower/Foliage

Flower Details: Itea chinensis produces small, fragrant, creamy-white flowers arranged in long, arching racemes. These flowers bloom in late spring to early summer, attracting pollinators such as bees and butterflies.

Foliage Details: The foliage is a deep green, elongated, and slightly serrated, creating a lush and textured appearance. In autumn, the leaves turn vibrant shades of red, orange, and yellow, adding a stunning display to any garden.
Care Info

Read full care instruction manual here.

Light: Itea chinensis thrives in full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate some shade, but flowering will be more profuse in sunnier locations.

Soil: Prefers moist, well-drained soil with high organic content. It can tolerate a range of soil types, including loam, clay, or sandy soils, as long as they remain consistently moist.

Watering: Keep the soil evenly moist, especially during the plant's establishment period. It is relatively drought-tolerant once mature but prefers regular watering to promote growth.

Pruning: Prune after flowering if necessary to shape the plant or remove deadwood. It responds well to pruning, which can also help maintain a compact form.

Fertilization: Fertilize with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring to support healthy growth and blooming.

Pests/Diseases: Generally pest-resistant, though it can sometimes face problems with aphids or powdery mildew in overly humid conditions.

Winter Care: Hardy in USDA zones 6-9. Provide mulch to protect the roots in colder climates during the winter months.

Pickup available at Aiken Nursery

Usually ready in 2-4 days

Grown in Aiken, South Carolina

At Woodlanders, we are committed to quality.

All our plant material is carefully propagated, grown, and nurtured at our humble nursery in Aiken, South Carolina.

Learn more about Woodlanders here.

Here’s a closer look at how we produce our plants:
from rooting to shipping, our top priority is ensuring you receive healthy, thriving plants for your garden’s success.

The majority of our plants are carefully cultivated from rooted cuttings, while we also utilize propagation methods such as seed, air layering, and grafting, thoughtfully chosen to suit each plant’s unique needs.

Our plants are cultivated using sustainable practices, including organic soil blends and eco-friendly pest management, ensuring they thrive while minimizing environmental impact.

We are proud to contribute to local biodiversity through ongoing donations to the Aiken Arboretum and support for local wildlife conservation efforts, helping to preserve and enhance our community’s natural ecosystems.

Plant Success Tip #1

Unpack Promptly

Carefully unpack your plant as soon as it arrives. Check the roots and soil to ensure they are still moist. If the roots feel dry, lightly mist or water them before proceeding with planting or temporary storage.

Plant Success Tip #2

Acclimate Your Plant

Allow your plant to adjust to its new environment by placing it in a sheltered spot for a day or two before planting, especially if it has traveled a long distance. Avoid exposing it to extreme temperatures right away.

Plant Success Tip #3

Follow Planting and Care Instructions

Plant your new arrival as soon as possible, following the specific care guidelines provided. If planting outdoors isn’t immediately possible, temporarily pot it in well-draining soil to maintain health until conditions are suitable.

Read Care Instructions

Frequently Asked Questions

What to expect upon delivery

All our plants are sold in 1-gallon sizes, though the height of each plant can vary depending on its growth rate and seasonality, typically ranging from 1/2 to 2.5 feet.

Each plant is carefully packaged with its roots enclosed in a secure plastic bag containing moist soil, forming a compact root ball. To ensure safe transport, the box is padded with recycled newspaper, providing both stability and eco-friendly protection from weather during shipping.
What is your return policy?

Review our full return policy information on our SHIPPING AND RETURNS POLICY page.
What payment methods can I use?

We offer 35 different payment methods including major providers like Mastercard, Visa, PayPal, American Express and Diners as well as many different local payment methods including Klarna, iDEAL, AliPay, Sofort, giropay, and many more.
Can I make changes to my order after it’s been placed?

At Woodlanders, we strive to fulfill orders as quickly as possible. Therefore, we can only accommodate changes to your order within the first 24 hours after it has been placed. These changes include adding or removing products and modifying the delivery address. If you need to make any changes or if there has been a mistake with your order information, please reach out to us promptly via our CONTACT page with your order number for the quickest resolution.

Your satisfaction is our priority, and we appreciate your understanding and cooperation.