Ningbo Deutzia Deutzia ningpoensis
Other Common Name(s):
Previously known as:
- Deutzia chunii
- Phonetic Spelling
- DOOT-zee-uh ning-poh-EN-sis
- Description
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Ningbo deutzia is a medium-sized, deciduous shrub with an open habit and flaking bark. The shrub is a member of the hydrangea family (Hydrangeaceae). Ning-po deutzia is a native of Central and Southeast China, and it is typically found in mixed forests, mountain slopes and valleys. The species epithet is Latinized Chinese and means “of Ningbo,” referring to the port city of Ningbo (previously Anglicized as Ningpo), in eastern China, south of Shanghai. The Chinese word ningbo means "serene waves."
The shrub grows in moist, well-drained soils of any type. Once established, it can tolerate occasional droughts. It flowers best in full sun but tolerates partial shade. The shrub tolerates pruning, but keep in mind that blossoms will appear on old growth.
The shrub matures to a height from 3 to 8 feet in 5 to 10 years and is nearly as wide. The stems are reddish-brown. The leaves have a papery texture and are densely hairy on the undersides of the leaf. The star-shaped flowers are white or pinkish and are arranged in clusters measuring 2 to 5 inches long.
Ningbo deutzia is expected to thrive in USDA Hardiness Zones 5 to 8. This low-maintenance and drought-tolerant shrub may be used on banks or slopes or in flower beds and borders. It may be used in a children’s, Asian, or cottage garden.
Seasons of Interest:
- flaky bark
- reddish-brown stems
- ovate to lance-shaped, simple leaves, serrate to entire margins, green upper surface, and grayish-green hairy undersides
- star-shaped white or pinkish flowers arranged in clusters measuring 2 to 5 inches long
- tiny fruit capsule follows flowers
Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: Ningbo deutzia is generally pest and disease-free.
- See this plant in the following landscape:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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- Cultivars / Varieties:
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- Tags:
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Attributes:
- Genus:
- Deutzia
- Species:
- ningpoensis
- Family:
- Hydrangeaceae
- Life Cycle:
- Woody
- Recommended Propagation Strategy:
- Seed
- Stem Cutting
- Country Or Region Of Origin:
- Central and Southeast China
- Distribution:
- Native: China North-Central, China South-Central, and China Southeast
- Play Value:
- Attractive Flowers
- Fragrance
- Particularly Resistant To (Insects/Diseases/Other Problems):
- This plant is seldom damaged by deer.
- Dimensions:
- Height: 1 ft. 0 in. - 8 ft. 0 in.
- Width: 1 ft. 0 in. - 8 ft. 0 in.
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Whole Plant Traits:
- Plant Type:
- Perennial
- Shrub
- Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
- Deciduous
- Habit/Form:
- Open
- Maintenance:
- Low
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Cultural Conditions:
- Light:
- Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
- Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
- Soil Texture:
- Clay
- Loam (Silt)
- Sand
- Shallow Rocky
- Soil pH:
- Acid (<6.0)
- Alkaline (>8.0)
- Neutral (6.0-8.0)
- Soil Drainage:
- Good Drainage
- Moist
- NC Region:
- Coastal
- Mountains
- Piedmont
- USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
- 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b
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Fruit:
- Display/Harvest Time:
- Fall
- Fruit Type:
- Capsule
- Fruit Length:
- < 1 inch
- Fruit Width:
- < 1 inch
- Fruit Description:
- The fruit is a capsule that is a half-circle in shape, measures 4 to 5 mm in diameter, and is densely hairy. The fruit is present from September through October.
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Flowers:
- Flower Color:
- Pink
- White
- Flower Inflorescence:
- Panicle
- Flower Value To Gardener:
- Fragrant
- Flower Bloom Time:
- Summer
- Flower Shape:
- Star
- Flower Petals:
- 4-5 petals/rays
- Flower Size:
- < 1 inch
- Flower Description:
- The flowers are showy, slightly fragrant, and white or pink. Each flower is star-shaped. They appear in loose clusters that measure 2 to 5 inches long and 1 to 2.5 inches wide. The flowers bloom from May to July.
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Leaves:
- Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
- Deciduous
- Leaf Color:
- Green
- Leaf Feel:
- Papery
- Leaf Type:
- Simple
- Leaf Arrangement:
- Opposite
- Leaf Shape:
- Lanceolate
- Oblong
- Ovate
- Leaf Margin:
- Entire
- Serrate
- Hairs Present:
- Yes
- Leaf Length:
- 1-3 inches
- Leaf Width:
- < 1 inch
- Leaf Description:
- The leaves are ovate to oblong or lanceolate. They measure 1 to 3.5 inches long and 0.5 to 1.25 inches wide. The upper surface is green, and the lower surface is grayish-green. They are papery and more densely hairy on the undersides. The margins may be slightly serrate or entire. The base of the leaf is rounded, and the tips are pointed.
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Bark:
- Surface/Attachment:
- Peeling
- Bark Description:
- The bark is flaky or peeling.
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Stem:
- Stem Color:
- Brown/Copper
- Red/Burgundy
- Stem Is Aromatic:
- No
- Stem Surface:
- Hairy (pubescent)
- Stem Description:
- The stems have hairs and are reddish-brown.
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Landscape:
- Landscape Location:
- Naturalized Area
- Slope/Bank
- Landscape Theme:
- Asian Garden
- Children's Garden
- Cottage Garden
- Design Feature:
- Border
- Resistance To Challenges:
- Drought