Deutzia

Prepare to be surprised in spring! Deutzias are among those plants that are passed down from one generation to another, and you often will see them growing in older landscapes or near an abandoned farmhouse. They go unnoticed most of the year, but for a few weeks in May, Deutzia dazzles as a striking plant covered in showy white or pinkish flowers borne on upright panicles.

The Deutzia genus is a member of the Hydrangeaceae or hydrangea family, and they are dense, deciduous, flowering shrubs. Depending on the species or hybrid they can grow up to 10 feet tall and 8 feet wide or maybe more compact 1 to 2 feet tall and wide. Most of them blossom in the spring with abundant clusters of white or occasionally pink flowers. The green leaves may be papery, rough, or soft depending on the species. Most of them have insignificant fall colors except for 'Yuki Cherry Blossom Deutzia.'

The genus name, Deutzia, honors a Dutch amateur botanist from the 1700s, John van der Deutz. Hybrids, such as 'Showy Deutzia,' have been developed and introduced by the Lemoine Nursery of Nancy, France in the early 1900s. The 'Yuki Cherry Blossom Deutzia' hybrid was developed by Thomas Green Ranney at North Carolina State University in Raleigh, North Carolina. 

There are over 60 species of Deutzia. Some species and cultivars may have been sold or traded under incorrect names and have a confusing horticultural history.  A study was published in January 2020 in the Journal of American Society for Horticultural Science, to correct and update the species and cultivars' names for the plants studied. The research was done by William G. Hembree, Thomas Ranney, Nathan P. Lynch, and Brian E. Jackson at North Carolina State University.  The study is entitled, "Identification, Genome Sizes and Ploidy of Deutzia."

The shrub prefers fertile, moist, and well-drained soils. It is accepting of most soil types and becomes more drought tolerant once it is established. Although the plant is tolerant of partial shade, an abundance of flowers is produced in full sun. In warm southern climates, most of these shrubs would benefit from afternoon shade. Pruning may be required every couple of years and is best done immediately after blooming has finished. When pruning, keep in mind that the plant blossoms will appear on old growth. This genus of plants is propagated by woody stem cuttings. 

Some of the species have exfoliating or peeling bark. The leaves are generally green, simple, lanceolate to ovate with rounded bases and pointed tips, and are sparsely hairy. Each flower is less than 1-inch in diameter, five-petaled, and star-shaped in shades of white or pink. They are arranged in 3 to 6-inch panicles along the branches. Fruit capsules follow after the flowers fade.  

Deutzias are seldom bothered by deer. Hummingbirds are attracted to the fragrant flowers in the spring. 

Consider a species of Deutzia for a garden border, foundation planting, or hedge. The compact species would add beauty as an accent for a patio garden or container. Mass plantings along a slope or bank would add beautiful spring flowers and lush green foliage to the landscape.

Seasons of Interest:

Bloom:  Spring                         Foliage:  Spring and Summer                  Bark:  Winter

Quick ID Hints

• possible exfoliating or peeling bark on some species
• reddish-brown stems
• simple, lance to ovate shaped, green leaves
• clusters of five-petaled, star-shaped flowers of white and occasionally pink
• tiny fruit capsule following the blooms

Insects, Diseases, and Other Problems: Deutzia is generally pest and disease-free, but aphids and leaf spots may occur. Shrubs may need some protection for late spring frost and cold winters to prevent tip dieback. Fuzzy Deutzia is listed on the Mid-Atlantic Exotic Pest Plant Council List as an alien invasive species.