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Ningbo Deutzia Deutzia ningpoensis

Other Common Name(s):

Previously known as:

  • Deutzia chunii
Phonetic Spelling
DOOT-zee-uh ning-poh-EN-sis
Description

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. 

More information on Deutzia.

See this plant in the following landscape:
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#deciduous#full sun tolerant#fragrant flowers#drought tolerant#white flowers#shrub#pink flowers#deciduous shrub#low maintenance#slopes#cottage garden#summer flowers#flowering shrub#deer resistant#border planting#naturalized area#exfoliating bark#partial shade tolerant#open
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#deciduous#full sun tolerant#fragrant flowers#drought tolerant#white flowers#shrub#pink flowers#deciduous shrub#low maintenance#slopes#cottage garden#summer flowers#flowering shrub#deer resistant#border planting#naturalized area#exfoliating bark#partial shade tolerant#open
  • 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.
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Perennial
    Shrub
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Deciduous
    Habit/Form:
    Open
    Maintenance:
    Low
  • 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
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Bark:
    Surface/Attachment:
    Peeling
    Bark Description:
    The bark is flaky or peeling.
  • 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.
  • Landscape:
    Landscape Location:
    Naturalized Area
    Slope/Bank
    Landscape Theme:
    Asian Garden
    Children's Garden
    Cottage Garden
    Design Feature:
    Border
    Resistance To Challenges:
    Drought