Deutzia scabra

Fuzzy deutzia is a large deciduous shrub that grows erect with an open crown and arching branches. It grows up to 6 to 10 feet tall and 4 to 8 feet wide. The bark exfoliates on mature shrubs in large sheets, and the stems and leaves have a rough and hairy texture. White star-shaped flowers appear in panicles from late spring to early summer. The shrub is a member of the hydrangea family (Hydrangeaceae).

Fuzzy deutzia is a native of Japan and has been introduced in parts of the United States. The shrub may be found along roadsides, woodlands, forests, homesteads, or landscaped gardens and parks. This species has been reported as invasive by the National Park Service. It is also listed on the Mid-Atlantic Exotic Pest Plant Council List as an alien invasive species (Mid-Atlantic Exotic Pest Plant Council Plant List (invasive.org)) but not by the North Carolina Invasive Plant Council. This plant has aggressive and weedy tendencies, so extreme caution should be exercised before adding it to the landscape. Please consider less-problematic options listed on the left-hand column.

The genus name, Deutzia, honors a Dutch amateur botanist from the 1700s, Johan van der Deutz. The species name, scabra, means "rough" which describes the stem and leaf texture. The common name, Fuzzy Deutzia, references the roughness and hairiness of the leaves. 

The shrub is accepting of a wide range of soil types as long as it is medium moist and well-drained. It flowers best in full sun but does tolerate partial shade. Pruning is usually required, and it is best done immediately after its blooming has ended. Keep in mind when pruning that blossoms will appear on old growth.

The exfoliating bark is in shades of reddish to orangish-brown. The spreading and arching branches form a rounded crown. The simple leaves are light green and up to 4 inches long with hairy and rough surfaces. The flowers are tiny white star-shaped fragrant blooms that appear on 3 to 6-inch panicles. The flowers bloom and cover the shrub for about 2 weeks. Many of the cultivars have pink flowers and some have double white flowers. The flowers are followed by a dry brown seed capsule.

Fuzzy Deutzia may be used for shrub borders, woodlands, large gardens, or parks. The shrub could be considered for a cutting garden since the fragrant flowers make a lovely floral arrangement.

Seasons of Interest:

Bark:  Winter     Bloom:  Late Spring and Early Summer      Foliage: Spring and Summer    Fruit:  Fall and Winter

Quick ID Hints:

• bark is reddish to orangish-brown and exfoliates in large sheets
• stems are slender, rough, hairy, reddish-brown to green with a hollow pith
• scaly and pointed buds
• leaves are opposite, simple, deciduous, light green, rough, slightly hairy with serrate margins
• flowers are about 1/2-inch in diameter, fragrant, white star-shaped, and arranged on 3-to-6-inch panicles
• fruit is a dry brown seed capsule

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: The Fuzzy Deutzia has no serious insect or disease issue, but aphids and leaf spots may be seen.  The shrub is potentially invasive due to its self-seeding. It may spread and crowd out our native species.  

Learn more about Deutzia.