Last Updated on October 8, 2022 by Real Men Sow
Deutzia is a genus of about 60 species of flowering plants in the family Hydrangeaceae, native to Asia, Mexico, and Central and South America. The genus was named after Johann van der Deutz, a Dutch patron of botany. The plants are shrubs or small trees, with opposite, simple leaves. The flowers are borne in clusters and are white, pink, or purple.
Planting and Growing Deutzia
Plant outside in the late autumn and winter. You can plant container-grown plants at any time during the year. You can grow in a sunny spot in any fertile, good-quality, moisturizing soil. Deutzia prefers alkaline to neutral soils. They can tolerate light shade, but they will produce their best flowers when full sun is available.
These species are tall, summer flowering shrubs that can be used as a back or middle shrubbery plant. Many modern dwarf cultivars can be used in patio containers and in front of the border. Plant a line of young plants 12in (30 cm) apart to create a flowering hedge.
Deutzia Care Guide
During dry weather, water thoroughly and don’t let the soil dry out. Mulch the soil with organic matter and fertilize it with a general fertilizer that is suitable for shrubs.
Watering
Deutzia plants can survive for up to a week without water. Because they have to settle into their new environment, they will require more watering in the first two years. Root rot is a problem in Deutzia plants. They will not hesitate to show signs of overwatering. Avoid any potential problems by checking the soil every time you water. If the soil’s top inch (2.5cm) feels dry, it is time to give your plants a deep soak.
These shrubs might need more water during the summer heat than they are used to. You can water your plants one to two times per month if the temperatures are lower or during winter.
Pruning
Deutzia should only be cut every two years. It will reseed themselves in a spectacular way if you are generous with your pruning. Deutzia can be very short-lived and will age quickly so it is important to perform rejuvenation pruning. It involves removing old wood so the plant can produce new, healthy shoots.
All old shoots should be removed as close as possible to the ground, whether they are cut after flowering, in spring, or in late winter. Although spring pruning will remove some buds but deutzia will grow more vigorously after summer pruning, it will not affect their growth.
Propagating Deutzia
You can easily propagate from summer cuttings or later in the year from hardwood cuttings. Take 4in (10 cm) cuttings in the summer, and then overwinter in a cold frame. You can also take 12in (30 cm) hardwood cuttings in the fall and plant them directly in the ground in well-drained sandy soil.
