Fuzzy Pride-of-Rochester Deutzia scabra

Fuzzy deutzia is a large deciduous shrub that grows erect with an open crown and arching branches. The shrub is a member of the hydrangea family (Hydrangeaceae) and is native to Japan. The species epithet is Latin for “rough like sandpaper” and refers to the texture of the leaves. The common name, fuzzy deutzia, references the roughness and hairiness of the leaves.

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

It grows up to 6 to 10 feet tall and 4 to 8 feet wide. The bark exfoliates on mature shrubs in large sheets in shades of reddish to orangish-brown, 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 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. This species has been reported as invasive by the National Park Service. It is also listed by the Mid-Atlantic Exotic Pest Plant Council as an invasive species 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 the less problematic options listed in the left-hand column.

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.

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 ½ inch in diameter, fragrant, white or pink, and star-shaped, 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 issues, 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.