Deutzia gracilis

Slender deutzia is a rounded, deciduous shrub with spreading and arching stems that grows 2 to 5 feet tall. It is a member of the hydrangea family (Hydrangeaceae), native to central and southern Japan. The species epithet, gracilis, is Latin for "slender."

Slender deutzia flowers best in full sun, but partial shade is tolerated. In very hot summer climates, this shrub would benefit from afternoon shade. The plant prefers moist, well-drained soils of most types and is pH adaptable. Its appearance will be unkempt-looking if left unpruned. Annual pruning is recommended immediately after flowering. Keep in mind when pruning that blossoms will appear on old growth. It can be propagated by softwood cuttings in the summer. This plant is seldom damaged by deer and is drought-tolerant. It is very resistant to adverse conditions, including transplanting, cold, pollution and diseases.

The stems are slender, brown and smooth, and the leaves are ovate to lanceolate with serrated margins. Slender deutzia is a heavy bloomer with narrow clusters of white, bell, or star-shaped flowers. The buds are pinhead-sized in contrast to those of Exochorda racemosa, which are pearl-sized. The cultivar 'Nikko' is considered one of the best Deutzia cultivars because it is low-growing. It is ideal for small gardens and has abundant clusters of white flowers in the spring and burgundy fall foliage. This plant received the Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society and was also the winner of the Gold Medal Award of the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society.

Consider the slender deutzia for a cottage garden or Asian garden, as a border, foundation planting, or formal hedge. 

Quick ID Hints:

• dense, rounded deciduous shrub with spreading and arching, brown, smooth stems
• bright to deep green, simple, opposite, ovate to lanceolate leaves with serrated margins, hairy on the upper and lower surface
• clusters of the brilliant white bell to star-shaped flowers
• half-circle-shaped fruit capsule

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems:  Slender deutzia is generally pest- and disease-free. Aphids and leaf miners may be occasional insect pests. The chlorophyll can bleach out of leaves in high sun conditions. The shrub needs to be protected from late spring frosts.

More information on Deutzia.