Showy Deutzia Deutzia x magnifica

Showy Deutzia is a hybrid deciduous shrub that resulted from the cross between Deutzia scabra and Deutzia discolor. It was developed and introduced by the Lemoine Nursery of Nancy, France in 1909. It has very attractive sprays of tiny double white flowers and bright green foliage. The shrub grows dense and upright with arching branches. It may reach a height of 6 to 10 feet and 4 to 8 feet wide. It is a member of the Hydrangeaceae or Hydrangea family. 

The Deutzia genus consists of about 60 species of medium-sized flowering shrubs that are mostly native to Asia. Members of this genus are usually deciduous in their native habitats; however, they may be evergreen in tropical climates.

The genus name, Deutzia, is in honor of a Dutch amateur botanist from the 1700s, named Johan van der Deutz. The hybrid name, magnifica, means "magnificent" or "splendid."

Showy Deutzia tolerates both full sun and partial shade, but they flower best in full sun. They may be planted in most soil types, but the soil needs to be moist and well-drained. Annual pruning is needed to remove dead branches and is best done immediately after blooming. The shrub is propagated by softwood cuttings.

The upright. slender, and arching stems have leaves that are bright green on the upper surface and grayish-green and hairy on the undersides. Large dense panicles of tiny white double flowers bloom from May to June and cover the shrub for about 2 weeks. The foliage of this shrub is similar to its parent, Deutzia scabra. The flowers of this hybrid; however, have shorter, broader, and denser panicles, and the blooms are white and double.

Showy Deutzia will bring added interest to a border, cottage garden, or woodland setting. 

Seasons of Interest:

Bloom:  Spring                  Foliage: Spring and Summer

• dense, upright deciduous shrub with slender and arching stems
• up to 4-inch-long medium green leaves
• grayish-green and hairy on the undersides of the leaf
• dense, broad, short panicles of white double flowers

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: Showy Deutzia has no serious pest and diseases issues, but aphids and leaf spots can occur.

There are more than 60 species of Deutzia. Some species and cultivars may have been sold or traded under incorrect names. A study was completed by William G. Hembree, Thomas Ranney, Nathan P. Lynch, and Brian E. Jackson at North Carolina State University to correct and update the species names for the cultivars studied. The study was published in the Journal of American Society for Horticultural Science and is entitled, "Identification, Genome Sizes and Ploidy of Deutzia."

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/338665982_Identification_Genome_Sizes_and_Ploidy_of-Deutzia

Learn more about Deutzia.