Elegant Itea Supported by Fab Foliage

This plant combination emphasizing foliage and unique flowers is anchored by the extremely elegant and unusual Itea ilicifolia—this evergreen shrub is a site to behold in summer when it's clothed in pendulous, greenish-white racemes. Amenable to espaliering against a wall or a fence, it's a great choice for a protected courtyard. Though sun-tolerant, it dislikes the hot afternoon sun, so situate it accordingly. The vignette is rounded out by the big, golden foliage of the Hollard's Gold Acanthus, strappy yellow swords of the yucca, wisps of pewter-colored grass, and blooming accents from spring to summer.


Growing Conditions

Zone: 7, 8, 9
Exposure: Open Shade, Filtered Sun, Morning Sun, Part Shade, Part Sun
Water Needs: Average, Regular / Even

Design Considerations

Style: City and Courtyard, Northwest Eclectic
Features: Varied Foliage, Texture, and Form, Fabulous Foliage, Four Season Appeal, Winter Interest
Focus: Year-round Interest, Mixed Border, Pleasing Seasonal Flow
Seasons of Interest: Spring, Summer, Winter, Year-round Interest, Pleasing Seasonal Changes, Three Seasons of Interest

Care and Maintenance


Maintenance Level: medium



Plants In this Combo