Itea ilicifolia
# Itea ilicifolia

Itea ilicifolia, the holly-leaved sweet spire, is a species of flowering plant in the family Iteaceae, native to western China. It is an evergreen shrub growing to 3–5 m (10–16 ft) tall by 3 m (10 ft) broad, with glossy holly-like leaves and fragrant drooping racemes of greenish-white flowers, 30 cm (12 in) long, in summer and autumn. It is hardy, though young plants require protection from dry winds.

This plant has gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.

