Family: Escalloniaceae

Of the ten species in this genus of deciduous or evergreen shrubs or trees, most are from cooler regions of eastern Asia, with one species from North America. The leaves of some species are similar to those of the willow, while some resemble holly.

Species

I. ilicifolia, zone 7, is an attractive, evergreen shrub, 4-5 m (13-16 ft) high, with holly-like leaves and long, tassel-like stems of greenish white flowers in summer or autumn.

I. virginica, zone 6, sweetspire or Virginia willow, from North America, is a deciduous, upright, slender shrub, to about 3 m (10 ft), which colours a vivid red in autumn. It produces thin spikes of fragrant, greenish white flowers in summer. The most widely grown of the species, it is suitable for massed or mixed planting, particularly in low, wet places.

Cultivation

Iteas prefer a slightly acid or peaty soil that is permanently moist, but not boggy, and a shel-tered spot in the garden. Plant in late autumn or early spring and propagate from cuttings taken in autumn and placed in a sandy mix, with bottom heat. They can also be propagated from rooted suckers in early autumn or from seed sown in the spring.

Climate

There are species suited to various climatic zones.