Deutzia

Deutzia

• Position: full sun
• Soil: fertile, moist but well-drained soil
• Flowering period: May to June
• Height: 0,6-1,5m
• Foliage: evergreen
• Hardiness: fully hardy

Deutzia. This attractive shrub bears clusters of small gorgeous, white or pink flowers from May to June. It has a slightly bushy habit and prefers moist but well-drained soil in full sun.

Varieties

Deutzia gracillis

Deutzia gracillis comes from Japan and produces masses of scented white, star-shaped flowers from May to June.

The leaves have a bright green colour that turn purple-red in autumn. This shrub grows to about 1-1,2m tall.

Deutzia gracillis ‘Nikko’

And then there is Deutzia gracillis ‘Nikko’. It has the same flowers but with a height of 60cm. This variety looks best planted in a group.

Deutzia x hybrida ‘Strawberry Fields’

For a pink form try Deutzia x hybrida ‘Strawberry Fields’. It bears soft pink flowers with ovate, green leaves.

Flowers buds of Deutzia gracillis             Foliage of Deutzia gracilis

Pruning

What is the best way to prune a mature deutzia. Cut back immediately after flowering every year or two 1/3 of the oldest, thickest stems to 15cm above ground level. This type of pruning stimulates the development of new, young shoots.

If necessary, shorten flowered shoots by half, immediately after flowering to maintain the shape of the shrub. Keep in mind that deutzia flowers on old wood.

Plant combination

Deutzia goes well with other summer-flowering shrubs such as Choisya ternata, Ceanothus, Philadelphus.

Choisya ternata ‘White Dazzler’