Deutzia gracilis

Deutzia gracilis is a beautiful bushy shrub that is covered with a multitude of small white star-shaped flowers at the beginning of summer. It is easy to grow, not demanding, hardy, and fast-growing. It is ideal for rockeries, borders, hedges, or planted in containers on a terrace.

This deciduous bush has slender spreading branches that become arched over time. It reaches a height of about 1 m (3.3 ft). In spring, it produces oblong lanceolate leaves which are dark green on the upper side and light green on the underside. The leaves are slightly dentate, measuring from 3 cm to 7 cm (1.2 in to 2.8 in) long. From June onwards, its foliage is completely covered with small, white, star-shaped flowers, measuring 2 cm (0.8 in) and grouped in erect clusters, 8 cm (3.1 in) long.

Deutzia belongs to the Hydrangeaceae family (formerly Saxifragaceae), just like hydrangeas, recognisable by its upright stems with thick pith, its opposite leaves with stiff hairs, and its corymbs or panicles of flowers.

Originally from Japan, Deutzia gracilis likes cool and deep soils exposed to partial shade or full sun. It can adapt well to dry gardens with good mulching. Its flowering is not affected by rain. With its abundant flowering, it can be used as a solitary plant or in a mass planting.

Deutzia gracilis is considered a little old-fashioned. However, it is among those almost indestructible shrubs that require little effort but provide a lot of satisfaction to the gardener.

Deutzia gracilis will harmonise perfectly with weigelas, mock oranges like 'White Rock', shrub roses, or even perennials (Geraniums, Delphiniums) that will flower at the same time. Plant it in a mass planting, rockery, slope, or mixed border. It can also be used as a ground cover if you plant the plants 1 m (3.3 ft) apart.

To create a 1 m (3.3 ft) tall hedge, interplant it with Osmanthus x burkwoodii, a dark evergreen with flowers in April-May, Mexican orange 'Apple Blossom', an evergreen with pink flowers in April-May and August-September, Physocarpus opulifolius 'Diabolo', with purple leaves, and Cornus alba 'Ivory Halo', with cream variegated leaves. The latter displays orange tones in autumn and reveals its red branches in winter.

Tips: Protect Deutzia gracilis from north winds that can affect its flowering. Late frost results in the production of very small flowers.