What is Deutzia?

Deutzia is a genus of plants in the Hydrangeaceae family. Deutzias are hardy shrubs that typically grow 2 to 6 feet (0.6 to 1.8 meters) tall. The majority of deutzias are deciduous plants, although evergreens are found among the subtropical species. Species in the genus usually have cascading white or pink flowers that grow in loose, terminal clusters and bloom from late spring to early summer. The flowers are non-allergenic as well. The shrubs, which feature shredding bark, also produce small, dry fruit capsules that contain many seeds.

The shrubs usually have high tolerance for a range of soil and water conditions, although deutzias thrive best in full sun with moist, well-drained soil. The shrubs may be planted in partial shade, but will not produce as many flowers as when planted in sunnier spots. The plants are frost resistant, though growing them in sheltered areas to protect from harsh winter weather is recommended. Deutzias generally are not vulnerable to disease or pests.

Deutzia plants have many uses in the garden. Species often are used as border plants due to their height. Gardeners also may train the plants into wall shrubs. Some smaller varieties are better used for ground cover, in rock gardens or to grow in containers.

Botanists often target deutzia species to create hybrids and cultivars, which are plant varieties produced to highlight attributes. Creating the cultivars allows gardeners to capitalize, for example, on one deutzia species’ tolerance for drought and another’s more fragrant flowers. The genus’ many hybrids and cultivars sometimes make it difficult to identify specific species without close inspection.

Slender deutzia, also known as Nikko, is one of the most popular deutzia cultivars. Gardeners prize Nikko plants for their compact growth, which makes the species ideal for ground cover, and for their attractive appearance almost year-round. The Nikko shrubs flower in spring, while the leaves turn a deep burgundy or purple in autumn. Nikko shrubs usually grow 2 to 4 feet (0.6 to 1.2 meters) tall and, after 10 years, spread about 5 feet (1.5 meters) wide.

The deutzia genus contains approximately 60 shrub species, most of which are native to Asia and Central America. Approximately 50 of the species are native to China specifically. Swedish botanist Carl Peter Thunberg collected and cataloged plants of the genus in Japan in the late 18th century. Thunberg went on to name the genus in honor of his patron, Dutch naturalist Johann van der Deutz.