Deutzia x lemoinei

Lemoine deutzia is a shrub in the hydrangea family (Hydrangeaceae). It is an artificial hybrid, a cross between two Asian species, Deutzia gracilis and Deutzia parviflora. The hybrid epithet, lemoinei, honors French nurseryman Victor Lemoine, who developed the plant in Nancy, France, in 1891.

This shrub easily grows in average, well-drained, moist garden soil and prefers full sun to partial shade. It tolerates a wide range of soil types. Pruning is required to maintain the shrub's shape and to remove the dead stems. This should be done immediately after flowering. Keep in mind when pruning that blossoms will appear on old growth.

Lemoine deutzia is a dense, erect, twiggy, hybrid shrub that grows 5 to 7 feet tall with exfoliating bark and slender brown stems. The multi-stemmed, erect branches have medium green foliage that changes to yellow in the fall. In late spring, pure white flowers appear in rounded clusters. This plant is the hardiest deutzia, growing in USDA Zone 5 and warmer areas of Zone 4. 

The Lemoine deutzia is recommended for loose, informal foundation plantings, borders, hedges or woodland settings. Grow it in an Asian or cottage garden.

Quick ID Hints:

• dense, twiggy, rounded shrub with exfoliating brown bark and brown stems
• opposite, lanceolate, medium green leaves that turn to yellow in the fall
• rounded clusters of tiny pure white flowers that bloom in late spring
• brown dehiscent fruit capsule

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: Lemoine deutzia has no serious pests or disease problems; however, leaf spots, aphids, and mites may occur. The shrub can look unkempt and may need renewal pruning to keep the shrub in bounds. 

More information on Deutzia.