Deutzia Growing Guide

Deutzia scabra, Deutzia crenata, numerous Deutzia inter-species hybrids

Crop Rotation Group

Miscellaneous ●

Soil

Moist, well-drained soil enriched with plenty of compost or other organic matter.

Position

Full sun to part shade.

Frost tolerant

Cold tolerance varies with species, with some hardy to -26°C (-15°F). Even less hardy deutzia cultivars can tolerate winter temperatures to -21°C (-5°F).

Feeding

In winter, topdress the root zone with rotted manure topped by an organic mulch.

Spacing

Single Plants: 1.00m (3' 3") each way (minimum)
Rows: 1.00m (3' 3") with 1.00m (3' 3") row gap (minimum)

Sow and Plant

Set out purchased plants in spring at about the time of your last frost. Container-grown plants can be set out until early summer, though they won’t bloom again until the following year. Water regularly, and cover the root zone with an organic mulch to keep the soil moist at all times. Once deutzias are well established, they are moderately tolerant of drought. Spacing requirements vary according to the type grown Check plant tags for a plant’s mature width when planting upright deutzias as hedges or in combination with other shrubs. Dwarf deutzias like ‘Yuki Cherry Blossom’ can be grown in 35 cm (14-inch) pots.
Our Garden Planner can produce a personalised calendar of when to sow, plant and harvest for your area.

Notes

Deutzias are most valued for their fragrant spring blossoms, which cover the plants for more than a month. Growth habit varies from large, upright shrubs to small, tight bushes. The ‘Nikko’ strain grows as a spreading ground cover. Native to Asia, deutzias were hugely popular 100 years ago, and bushes often persist near old homesteads.

Harvesting

Try combining short deutzia stems with other spring flowers in a small glass or vase. Deutzia blooms on old wood, so summer is the best time to trim the plants, by removing dead or damaged stems and old canes, which can be cut off at the plant’s base. In autumn the plants grow latent buds that will bloom the following spring, so avoid unnecessary winter pruning.

Planting and Harvesting Calendar

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Pests which Affect Deutzia

Aphids (General)

Slug

Snail