Itea illicifolia

Commonly known as holly-leaved sweet spire or Virginian willow, Itea illicifolia is an evergreen shrub native to western China.

It's predominantly grown for its dramatic, fragrant racemes of flowers that appear from mid- to late summer and attract pollinating insects. It also makes a fantastic wall shrub, so is good for clothing a bare wall in colour all year, though it can also be grown as a free-standing shrub.

For best results, grow Itea illicifolia in full sun or partial shade in fertile, moist, well-drained soil. Ideally provide it with some shelter, especially when young, as it may suffer if grown in a windy spot. Itea illicifolia holds the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit (AGM).