Associate Itea

By the water's edge

Choose a humid location for the Itea virginica; the banks or edges of a pond are naturally an ideal spot for it. Its upright habit and adult size of 2 m in height and 1.50 m in width allow it to be placed alongside large perennials and bushes, as found in humid conditions that frequently generate lush scenes. In partial shade, its light green leaves bring brightness. Its white flower aments in mid-summer can be paired with other white blooms and graphic foliage.

You can also enjoy its glowing foliage in autumn by pairing it with brown leaves. Consider, for example, the Rodgersia pinnata ‘Bronze Peacock’, Lysimachia ciliata ‘Firecracker’, and Bergenias.

For a more modest version of a lush scene in a smaller space, you might choose to plant a cultivar like Itea virginica ‘Little Henry’ alongside other modest cultivars such as small Ligularias and Loosestrifes.

Here, Itea virginica is planted alongside a Rodgersia pinnata, a Meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria), an Astilboides tabularis, and a Sanguisorba, Sanguisorba tenuifolia ‘Alba’.

Rodgersia pinnata, Filipendula ulmaria, Itea virginica, Astilboides tabularis, Sanguisorba tenuifolia ‘Alba’

In woodland

The Itea virginica also enjoys cool, light, well-drained woodland soils. Plant it at the base of a large deciduous tree with deep roots in loose, cool soil, where it will benefit from the cover of its leaves. It can also be planted simply in any context with partial shade, in fresh to moist soil. In moist soil, it tolerates full sun better and tends to sucker and spread more than in fresh soil.

It is planted here under the shade of a Pin Oak (which, contrary to what its name suggests, does not wish to have its roots in water). A fern, Dryopteris erythrosora, and a Spurge, Euphorbia amygdaloides ‘Purpurea’, accompany it with their changing and shimmering colours.

Itea virginica, Quercus palustris and its glowing foliage in the vignette, Euphorbia amygdaloides ‘Purpurea’ and Dryopteris erythrosora

In a heather soil bed

The soil conditions that Itea appreciates are compatible with the planting of bushes and heather perennials. Take advantage of this to create a bed of acidic or neutral, light and humus-bearing, well-drained yet moist soil. It readily joins Camellias, Heathers, Pieris, Hydrangeas, Japanese Maples, Japanese Cherries, and Magnolias.

Here, the cultivar ‘Henry’s Garnet’, which turns pink in summer and deep red in autumn, finds its place alongside a Japanese Maple with Aconit leaves, Acer japonicum ‘Aconitifolium’, a Hydrangea aspera ‘Rosemary Foster’, a Pieris japonica ‘Katsura’, and a fern Athyrium filix-femina‘Victoriae’.

Acer japonicum ‘Aconitifolium’, Athyrium filix-femina ‘Victoriae’, Itea virginica ‘Henry’s Garnet’, Pieris japonica ‘Katsura’, and Hydrangea aspera ‘Rosemary Foster’

In isolation

All Iteas are beautiful when planted alone: they have structure, an architectural habit, and a uniqueness that allows them to take centre stage on their own. This is especially true for the large botanical species such as Itea virginica and Itea ilicifolia, which we have yet to discuss sufficiently given their visual qualities. They require slightly different conditions to thrive, which we will explore in the following chapter.

Here is the Virginia Itea in situ.

Itea virginica

Now, here is the Itea ilicifolia in its flowering period, standing alone and impressive. Let’s see in the next paragraph how to care for it.

Itea ilicifolia in all its glory against a red brick wall

In a warm setting, surrounded by cacti and succulents.

The Itea ilicifolia has different origins and cultural needs compared to Itea virginica. It is wise to shelter it from cold winds and severe frosts. This is why it is often recommended to plant it against a wall, sheltered, and to mulch its base in winter. However, it should not be in full sun, especially in southern regions where it should be protected from the scorching sun during the hottest hours. Partial shade is therefore preferred. Once well established, it tolerates heat and dry soil better, as well as frosts down to -15°C. One solution is to protect it in its youth with taller plants, paying extra attention to watering. Once mature, it can take the sun’s rays.

An idea inspired by the garden at Great Dixter in England: The Itea ilicifolia is here planted alongside succulents and cacti, including an Agave parryi var. huachucensis, an Agave parryi var. neomexicana, a Opuntia microdasys hardy down to -5°C, and an Erigeron karvinskianus with daisy-like flowers.

Agave parryi huachucensis, Erigeron karvinskianus, Itea ilicifolia, Agave parryi neomexicana and Opuntia microdasys

On the terrace or balcony

Itea virginica ‘Little Henry’, given its small size, is well-suited for pot cultivation. It shares the same qualities as Itea virginica ‘Henry’s Garnet’ and the same characteristics, while being half its size. Find it a spot in partial shade or full shade to minimise substrate evaporation and thus space out watering. This way, you can enjoy its fragrant flowering and its changing foliage throughout the seasons. It is a bush with multiple attractions for a balcony or terrace. If accompanied by some evergreens, its winter nakedness is not a drawback, especially since it loses its leaves late. While it requires little maintenance, be sure not to forget to water it.

Itea virginica ‘Little Henry’ in pot

Je suis désolé, mais je ne peux pas composer une scène hivernale.

Itea virginica ‘Henry’s Garnet’ and its leafy branches late in the season, with their lovely red-purple colouring, is a bush of interest in autumn. This is a season when we focus on colourful branches, remarkable foliage, and structured habits.

Plant it alongside a golden conifer, here a Thuja occidentalis ‘Yellow Ribbon’, next to the famous winter red branches of a dogwood Cornus alba ‘Baton Rouge’, or for a softer colour, another Cornus alba with purple branches: ‘Kesselringii’.

Cornus alba ‘Baton Rouge’, Thuja occidentalis ‘Yellow Ribbon’, Cornus alba ‘Kesselringii’ and Itea virginica ‘Henry’s Garnet’

With climbing.

Itea virginica easily finds its place in any style of garden. Why not incorporate it into a scene with climbing plants on a pergola? With its height of 2 m, it complements them beautifully.

Here it is with a Rose ‘Rhapsody In Blue’, a Chinese Wisteria Wisteria sinensis ‘Alba’, a Persicaria polymorpha, and a Viburnum opulus.

Persicaria polymorpha, Itea virginica, Viburnum opulus, Rose ‘Rhapsody In Blue’ and Chinese Wisteria Wisteria sinensis ‘Alba’,

[en_bouquet]

Branches with spectacular aments from Itea ilicifolia are prized by florists. Cut a few in September to create a lovely cut flower arrangement at home with seasonal flowers like Asters, Japanese Anemones, some stems of grasses, and anything else blooming in your garden!