Itea virginica Scentlandia

Itea virginica 'Smnivdfc' Scentlandia is a lovely improvement on Itea virginica. It is hardier, bears more fragrant summer flowering, has a more compact habit, and has a more spectacular autumn colouring! A graceful bush with satin foliage and fragrant summer inflorescences in delicate white catkins. In autumn, its foliage ignites in stunning orange-red tones. Hardy beyond -20°C (-4°F). It easily tolerates the shade and damp soils, and it will find its place in difficult areas of the garden.

Itea virginica is a bush from the Iteaceae family. It is found naturally in swamps and along waterways in the southeast of the United States, especially in Virginia. The cultivar Scentlandia forms a bushy-habit, about 80cm (32in) in height and the same in width. It develops deciduous, alternate leaves, satin green on top and paler underneath, glowing red in autumn. In June, clusters of small, fragrant white star-shaped flowers appear above the leaves and hang in delicate catkins that can reach 35cm (14in) in length.

It has a rather slow growth rate. It prefers slightly acidic, well-drained soil, in semi-shady situations. Mix half ericaceous soil with your garden soil. This hardy variety is easy to grow and maintain. It will be very decorative isolated, in a cluster, border, or under taller trees, but will also add lightness when grown in a pot on a shaded balcony or terrace. 

Advice: Avoid too calcareous soils. A sunny position is possible in damp soil.