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Sweetspire, Taiwan

Itea oldhamii

$23.00

1 Gallon | Hardiness Zones 7-9

Itea oldhamii is an evergreen shrub with compact growth habit. Juvenile leaves can be holly-like but mature leaves are entire. It has racemes of white flowers in late spring. Plant in good soil that is moist but well-drained. In our experience this plant has grown well in semi-shade. It is litte-known in the U.S. and Woodlanders may have been the first nursery to offer this plant to American gardeners.

Flowering photo courtesy of Chen Shuhui
Plant Specs
  • Zones: 7 to 9
  • Sun: Full Sun and Part Shade
  • Soil: Moist and Well-drained
  • Growth Rate: Moderate

Pickup available at Aiken Nursery

Usually ready in 2-4 days

Hardiness Zones: 7 - 9

Soil: Moist and Well-drained

Sun: Full Sun and Part Shade

Seasonal Behavior: Evergreen

Growth Rate: Moderate

Height at Maturity: 6 - 8 Feet

Spread at Maturity: 6 - 8 Feet

Flower Details:

  • Itea oldhamii produces elegant, pendulous racemes of small, creamy-white flowers in late summer to early fall. These flowers are fragrant and attract pollinators like bees and butterflies, adding both beauty and ecological value to the garden.

Foliage Details:

  • The foliage consists of deep green, lance-shaped leaves with serrated edges. In autumn, the leaves turn striking shades of red, orange, and bronze, creating a vivid and colorful display before falling.

Read full care instruction manual here.

Light: Itea oldhamii prefers full sun to partial shade. Full sun will promote more vigorous flowering, while partial shade can help in hotter climates to prevent leaf scorch.

Soil: It thrives in moist, well-drained soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH. It can tolerate a range of soil types, including sandy or loamy soils, but prefers soils rich in organic matter.

Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during the growing season. It is moderately drought-tolerant once established but performs best with regular watering.

Pruning: Prune after the flowering period to shape the plant and encourage denser growth. It responds well to pruning and can be kept more compact if necessary.

Fertilization: Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in the spring to support healthy foliage and flowering.

Pests/Diseases: Itea oldhamii is relatively resistant to pests and diseases, though it can occasionally face issues with aphids or mildew if grown in overly humid conditions.

Winter Care: Hardy in USDA zones 7-9. Mulch the base of the plant in colder regions to protect the roots during the winter.

Grown in Aiken, S.C.

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.