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Deutzia spp.

Hydrangeaceae

Eastern Asia (mainly China, Japan, Korea)

Attracts Pollinators Attracts Butterflies Container Friendly

SunFull Sun – Part Shade

WaterMedium

HardinessZones 5–8

Overview

Deutzia spp. is a genus of about 60 species of deciduous shrubs in the family Hydrangeaceae, native mainly to eastern Asia, with a few species in the Himalayas, Central America, and the Philippines. Most are mounded to upright shrubs 2-10 feet (0.6-3 m) tall with slender, often arching branches and peeling bark on older stems. Leaves are opposite, simple, lance-shaped to oval, 1-4 inches (2.5-10 cm) long, with toothed margins and rough, star-shaped hairs that give a sandpapery feel. In late spring and early summer the branches carry abundant clusters of small, five-petalled flowers, bell-shaped to flat and star-like, in white, pink, or pinkish-purple. The flowers have no scent in most species. After bloom the shrub reads as a plain green mound, with little fruit interest or autumn colour in many species. Garden plants come largely from D. gracilis, D. scabra, and D. x hybrida. Most species are hardy in USDA zones 5 to 8 and grow in full sun to light shade on moist, well-drained soil. Flowers form on the previous year wood, so hard late-winter pruning removes the coming bloom.

Native Range

Deutzia spp. is native mainly to eastern Asia, especially China, Japan, and Korea, with outliers in the Himalayas, Central America, and the Philippines. The genus grows in woodland margins, thickets, and rocky slopes. China holds the greatest number of species.

Suggested Uses

Deutzia spp. is planted in shrub borders, mixed hedges, and woodland edges for its late-spring flowers. Low forms such as D. gracilis are used as groundcover and in containers. Arching types suit bank plantings and informal screens.

How to Identify

Look for deciduous shrubs with slender, arching branches, peeling bark on older stems, and opposite toothed leaves with rough, star-shaped hairs that feel like sandpaper. In late spring the stems carry dense clusters of small five-petalled white or pink flowers. The sandpapery leaves and peeling bark help separate Deutzia spp. from related mock oranges.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height2' - 10'

Width/Spread2' - 8'

Colors

Flower Colors

Foliage Colors

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~3 weeks

Spring Summer

Most Deutzia spp. flower in late spring and early summer, often May to June, over a period of two to three weeks. The small flowers open in dense clusters along the previous year branches. There is little rebloom after the main flush.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

white, pink, or pinkish-purple

Foliage Description

green

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

SunFull Sun SunPartial Shade

Requires 4-8 hours of direct sunlight daily

• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight

• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight

• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range5.5 - 7.5(Neutral)

357912

Soil Types

loam

Drainagewell drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Medium

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

3-5 years to mature size

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Deutzia spp. species grow in full sun to light shade on moist, fertile, well-drained soil and tolerate a range of pH from about 5.5 to 7.5. Even moisture supports steady growth, and the genus has limited drought tolerance once flowering. Plants are hardy in USDA zones 5 to 8, though late frosts can damage early flower buds. Older stems lose vigour and bloom less, so some renewal is needed. Few serious pests or diseases trouble the genus. Flower buds form on the previous season wood.

Pruning

Prune right after flowering, since buds form on the previous year wood. Cut about one quarter of the oldest stems to the base each year to renew the shrub. Shorten flowered shoots to a strong outward bud to keep a compact shape.

Pruning Schedule

late springsummer