2024 Author: Gavin MacAdam | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 13:38
Itea (lat. Itea) - a genus of ornamental shrubs of the Escallonium family. The genus includes 10 species. Natural area - North America and East Asia.
Characteristics of culture
Itea is an evergreen or deciduous shrub with unusual foliage and exotic flowers. The leaves are toothed, opposite, outwardly similar to the leaves of the Holly genus. The flowers are small, white, cream or greenish-white, collected in multi-flowered racemose inflorescences that form at the ends of the branches. In autumn, the Itea is especially attractive, its foliage takes on unique shades. The culture easily adapts to the harsh conditions of the middle zone, despite the fact that it is found in nature mainly in warm countries. The most hardy species is the Virginia Itea.
Itea virginica (lat. Itea virginica) is an unusual deciduous shrub about 1.5 m high with a specific compact crown. Arcuate shoots. The leaves are dark green in summer and purple-red in autumn, oblong-elliptical, serrated, narrowed towards the end, up to 10 cm long. The flowers are very fragrant, white-cream, collected in dense clusters. Itea virginskaya blooms in July. Withstands frosts down to -20C, needs shelter for the winter, otherwise flowering should not be expected.
The species is resistant to drought, accepts light partial shade, but develops better in sunny areas. Looks great in group plantings. Popular varieties of the Virginia Itea are Henry's Garnet (cold-resistant and decorative species with large white racemose inflorescences), Henry's Garnet (hardy species with large racemose inflorescences and colorful foliage in autumn) and Sarah Eve (cold-resistant species with compact crown).
No less interesting is the view - Itea holly (lat. Itea ilicifolia). It is represented by evergreen shrubs up to 5 m high with a wide crown. The branches are curved. Leaves are serrated, green, glossy, oval-elliptical, up to 10 cm long. Flowers are small, greenish-white, gathered in hanging earrings. Itea holly blooms in July.
The species Itea Yunnan (Latin Itea yunnanensis) is an erect, evergreen shrub up to 5 m high with a wide crown. The branches are curved. Leaves are glossy, dark green, elliptical, narrowed towards the end, up to 10 cm long. The flowers are white, collected in ear-shaped racemes, up to 17 cm long. It blooms in May-June.
Growing conditions
Itea feels good in open, sunny areas. It blooms well in semi-shaded areas. The culture makes special demands on soil conditions; it needs well-moistened, fertile, drained soils with a slightly acidic pH reaction. Alkaline soils are not suitable. Sandy loamy or loamy soils are optimal for itea.
Reproduction
Itea are propagated most often by cuttings. Cut the cuttings in spring or summer. Planting is carried out in special greenhouses or mini-greenhouses.
Care
Itea is unpretentious in care, needs shelter for the winter (especially in regions with severe winters). Itea blooms on last year's branches, so preserving these shoots is one of the most important care tasks. A few days before the onset of cold weather, the shrubs are tied and wrapped with spruce branches or any other non-woven material. The soil in the near-trunk zone is mulched with a thick layer of dry foliage. In winter, the plants are covered with snow. The culture is not afraid of spring frosts. Watering the Itea should be moderate but regular. It is important to maintain a stable soil moisture in the near-trunk circle, especially in dry periods. The culture has a positive attitude towards fertilizing, 1-2 additional fertilizing with full mineral fertilizers is enough per season. Preventive trimming is not prohibited.
Usage
Itea looks harmoniously in single and group plantings. Can act as a soloist. Shrubs are suitable for creating rockeries, rock gardens and other rocky gardens. Iteyu can be planted near a terrace, gazebo or retaining wall. Plants are spectacular against the background of large stones and on the lawn.
