Chinese Itea Plant Care

Chinese Itea (Itoa orientalis) belongs to the Salicaceae family within the Itoa genus.

Chinese Itea displays a fast-growing tree growth habit, reaching up to 30 ft tall with a spread of approximately 20 ft. Chinese Itea produces small, inconspicuous flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Chinese Itea every 7–10 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established trees mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Chinese Itea thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Itoa orientalis tolerates temperatures of 60–85°F. Chinese Itea prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Rich, well-draining soil with high organic content. Good drainage is essential for Chinese Itea to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Chinese Itea every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established trees in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade and rich, well-draining soil with high organic content. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Chinese Itea is suited to USDA Zone 13a.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped trees in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Chinese Itea can spread to about 20 ft (6.1 m) and reach about 30 ft (9 m) tall. Space plants about 20 ft (6.1 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the tree spacing calculator.

Prune Chinese Itea while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the tree in one year.

Chinese Itea is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 13). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Chinese Itea can be propagated through softwood cuttings, air layering.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

Chinese Itea is susceptible to aphids, caterpillars, scale insects. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

Chinese Itea grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. In cooler regions, grow Chinese Itea as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.