Deutzia gracilis, slender deutzia
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Deciduous Shrubs

Deutzia gracilis

slender deutzia

HydrangeaceaeJapan

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At a Glance

TypeShrub
HabitMounding
FoliageDeciduous
Height2-4 feet (60-120 cm)
Width3-4 feet (90-120 cm)
Maturity3 years

Growing Zones

USDA Hardiness Zones

4 - 8
Zone 4Zone 5Zone 6Zone 7Zone 8
These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.
What's my zone? →
Frost Tolerancehardy

Key Features

Attracts PollinatorsDeer ResistantDrought TolerantContainer Friendly
Maintenancelow

Overview

Deutzia gracilis is slender deutzia (Japanese snow flower), a compact mounding deciduous shrub growing 2-4 feet (60-120 cm) tall and 3-4 feet (90-120 cm) wide with graceful arching branches. White 5-petaled flowers 0.5-0.75 inch (1.3-2 cm) in erect racemes 2-4 inches (5-10 cm) covering the arching branches in May. Medium green lance-shaped finely serrated leaves 1-3 inches (2.5-7 cm). In Hydrangeaceae. Native to Japan. The smallest and most compact Deutzia species — 2-4 feet (60-120 cm) vs. D. scabra (6-10 feet / 1.8-3 m). Blooms on old (previous season's) wood. In zones 4-5, flower buds can be killed by severe winter cold, reducing or eliminating bloom — this cold bud-kill is the primary limitation in northern zones. The bloom period is short (2 weeks). No significant disease or pest problems. Fall color is unremarkable (yellow). Deer-resistant. Drought-tolerant once established. Non-toxic. Zones 4-8. Full sun to partial shade. Growth rate is moderate.

Native Range

Native to Japan.

Suggested Uses

Grown as a foundation planting, low hedge, mixed border component, and in containers of at least 5 gallons (19 L), spaced 3-4 feet (90-120 cm). Compact size. White spring bloom. Arching habit. Short bloom period (2 weeks). Deer-resistant. Non-toxic. Zones 4-8.

How to Identify

Identified by white 5-petaled flowers in erect racemes covering graceful arching branches on a compact mounding shrub with lance-shaped finely serrated leaves. The compact size (2-4 feet / 60-120 cm) and the arching habit distinguish D. gracilis from larger Deutzia species. In Hydrangeaceae.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height2' - 4'
Width/Spread3' - 4'

Reaches mature size in approximately 3 years

Colors

Flower Colors

white

Foliage Colors

green

Fall Foliage Colors

yellow

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~2 weeks
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Spring
Mid to late spring (May). White 5-petaled flowers 0.5-0.75 inch (1.3-2 cm) in erect racemes 2-4 inches (5-10 cm). 2 weeks of bloom. Bee-pollinated.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

White, 5-petaled, 0.5-0.75 inch (1.3-2 cm), in erect racemes 2-4 inches (5-10 cm) long covering the arching branches

Foliage Description

Medium green, lance-shaped, finely serrated, 1-3 inches (2.5-7 cm) long; turns yellow in fall — fall color is unremarkable

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Full 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

2-3 years

Drought Tolerance

Drought tolerant when established

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Full sun to partial shade (4-8 hours). Well-drained soil pH 5.5-7.5. Drought-tolerant once established. Blooms on old wood — prune after flowering (June) only. Flower buds killed in severe winters (zones 4-5). No significant diseases. Deer-resistant. Non-toxic. Zones 4-8.

Pruning

Prune immediately after flowering (June) — blooms on old (previous season's) wood. Remove the oldest stems at the base (renewal pruning) every 2-3 years to maintain vigor. The arching branch habit is natural — do not shear into a ball.

Pruning Schedule

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Maintenance Level

low

Container Growing

✓ Suitable for container growing

Minimum container size: 5 gallons

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Non-toxic