Growing Deutzia

Latin Name Pronunciation: doot'zee-uh 

The genus Deutzia contains about 60 species of woodland shrubs native to Japan, Central Asia, and East Asia. Only a few are cultivated, valued for their abundant panicles of five-petaled, star-shaped white or pink flowers that create a striking display in spring. Their smaller scale and graceful form make these shrubs especially well-suited to small yards, where they integrate easily into beds, serve as low hedges, or function as ground covers. Adaptable and easy to grow, they perform well in average soil and in conditions ranging from full sun to part shade, and are generally avoided by deer.

Light: Grow in full sun for maximum flowering.

Soil: Average, well-drained garden soil.

Watering and fertilizing: Water your shrub well after planting. Unless you have more than 1″ of rainfall per week, give new plants a good soaking once a week during summer. Established plants can get by on less water, but most grow best if the soil remains evenly moist. Before watering, check the soil 1″ down to see if it is dry. Please note that more water is not better—when in doubt, don't water. We recommend against fertilizing at planting time and during the first growing season in your garden; plants need time to settle in before being pushed to grow. Most established plants grow best if fertilized with a light hand. Here at the Farm, we fertilize shrubs and trees just once, in early spring, with a light but even coverage of a balanced, granular fertilizer (such as 10-10-10 or an organic fertilizer).

Pruning: Deutzia blooms on the previous year's growth (known as "old wood"). Pruning is seldom needed, but remove any dead wood or shape the plant immediately after flowering is complete for the season.