Deutzia, Genus, crenata, Species,
- Genus & species
Fuzzy deutzia
Overview
Deutzia crenata is a deciduous, multi-stemmed shrub in the family Hydrangeaceae, native to Japan and reported from China. Plants reach 6–10 feet (1.8–3 m) tall and 4–8 feet (1.2–2.4 m) wide, forming an upright to arching, rounded outline. Stems are slender, and on older wood the tan-brown bark peels in thin strips. Leaves are opposite, ovate to lance-shaped, 1–4 inches (2.5–10 cm) long, with finely toothed margins and a rough texture from star-shaped (stellate) hairs on both surfaces; the hairs give the plant its common name. White, five-petaled flowers, about 0.5–0.75 inch (12–20 mm) across, are borne in upright panicles 2–4 inches (5–10 cm) long in June. Fruit is a small, dry, globular capsule about 0.2 inch (5 mm) across that persists into winter. Flower buds form on the previous season's wood, so severe winter dieback reduces the following summer's bloom. Plants are cold-hardy in USDA zones 5–8 and grow in a range of soils where drainage is adequate. Foliage is coarse-textured and the shrub has little seasonal interest outside the two to three weeks of flowering.
Native Range
Native to Japan, where it grows in thickets and open woodland margins in lowland and low mountain areas. Also reported from China.Suggested Uses
Used in shrub borders, informal hedges, and woodland edges, spaced 4–6 feet (1.2–1.8 m) apart. The rounded, arching form reaches 4–8 feet (1.2–2.4 m) wide, which limits use in narrow beds.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height6' - 10'
Width/Spread4' - 8'
Bloom Information
Flowers open in June, extending into early July in cool climates. Individual panicles remain open for 2–3 weeks. Buds develop on growth from the previous season. Late spring frost can damage open flowers.
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
Medium green above, paler green beneathGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
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
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Flowering is heaviest in full sun to light shade, with 4–8 hours of direct sun. Soil is average to moist, well-drained loam or clay-loam, pH 5.5–7.0. Water is applied at 1 inch (2.5 cm) per week during the first two growing seasons; established plants tolerate short dry periods but wilt in prolonged drought. Cold hardiness is USDA zones 5–8. A 2–3 inch (5–8 cm) layer of mulch reduces moisture loss around the root zone. Flower buds are susceptible to damage from late spring frosts.Pruning
Pruning is done immediately after flowering in late June or early July, because flower buds for the next year form on growth made over the summer. Removing one-quarter to one-third of the oldest stems at ground level each year renews the shrub and maintains bloom. Late winter pruning removes flower buds. Shrubs tolerate hard rejuvenation cutting to 6–12 inches (15–30 cm), which delays flowering by one to two seasons.Pruning Schedule
Prune: June–July
summer
