Deutzia gracilis slender deutzia

Slender deutzia is a dainty little shrub with plentiful of snow-white, star-shaped, fragrant flowers in late May and early June. They are formed in upright or slightly arching racemes. Abundance of flowers is comparable with fully flowering Japanese azalea bush.

Deciduous leaves are narrowly ovate to lanceolate, 3-4 cm long, mid green, notably serrated along margins, mid green in spring and summer, turning carmine red or sometimes fiery orange in autumn. The shrub is mound forming with erect branches when young, and as they reach about 60 cm they become slightly arching. When the shrub is in full bloom it looks like a white flowering fountain.

Pruning is not needed but if you wish to trim or rejuvenate older plants do so immediately after flowering because deutzias flower on previous year’s wood. They are quite soil adaptable and will grow in sun or part shade, too, but will look best in full sun and evenly moist soil. Fully hardy to about -34°C (USDA zone 4).

Last update 09-02-2012