Itea oldhamii is a graceful evergreen shrub native to Taiwan, featuring glossy leaves and fragrant, creamy white flower racemes in summer.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Partial Shade to Full Sun
50% intensity
Thrives in partial shade, but tolerates full sun if soil remains moist.
Moderate
50% intensity
Prefers consistently moist soil, but avoid waterlogging.
Acidic, Well-drained
50% intensity
Moderate
50% intensity
Hardy in USDA zones 6-9. Protect from extreme heat and frost.
Low
25% intensity
Benefits from spring feeding; avoid over-fertilization.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | No 0/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | No 0/5 intensity |
Non-toxic
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Water regularly to keep the soil consistently moist, especially during the first year of establishment and dry periods. Avoid waterlogged conditions, as this can lead to root rot.
Reduce watering slightly in winter, allowing the top few centimeters of soil to dry out between waterings.
Prune after flowering to maintain desired shape and size. Remove any dead, damaged, or crossing branches. Light pruning can be done to encourage bushier growth.
Avoid heavy pruning, as it can reduce flowering for the following season.
Propagate from semi-hardwood cuttings taken in mid-summer. Select healthy shoots, dip the cut end in rooting hormone, and plant in a well-draining potting mix.
Maintain high humidity and warmth to encourage root development.
Repot young plants every 2-3 years in early spring before new growth begins. Choose a pot that is slightly larger than the current one with adequate drainage holes.
Use a well-draining, peat-based potting mix enriched with compost.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Formosan Sweetspire (Itea oldhamii)
Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Saxifragales |
| Family | Iteaceae |
| Genus | Itea |
| Species | Itea oldhamii |
Similar in genus Itea
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
