How to Grow Deutzia Nikko - Plant Care & Tips

By NorwichGardener Team   /   2024

Deutzia nikko is a plant that is native to Japan. It is a shrub that can grow to be about 3 meters tall. The leaves are oval shaped and the flowers are white.

How to Grow Deutzia Nikko - Plant Care & Tips

Popular name

  • Deutzia scabra
  • Deutzia crenata
  • Deutzia gracilis
  • Deutzia vilmoriniana
  • Deutzia yedoensis

Basic info

  • Deutzia nikko is a small to medium-sized shrub that originates from Japan.
  • It has a compact, bushy growth habit and produces masses of small, white flowers in spring.
  • Deutzia nikko is an ideal plant for hedging or as a stand-alone specimen in the garden.
  • It is relatively low maintenance and tolerates a wide range of soil types and conditions.
  • Deutzia nikko is generally pest and disease free.
  • It requires little pruning, although it can be lightly trimmed after flowering to maintain a neat shape.
  • Deutzia nikko is best suited to full sun or partial shade positions.
  • It is relatively drought tolerant once established.
  • Deutzia nikko can be propagated from softwood or semi-ripe cuttings.
  • The plant's common name, 'Nikko', refers to the city in Japan where it is thought to have originated.

Related plant:
Deutzia Crenata Nikko

How to Grow

  1. For deutzia nikko, first step is to choose the right spot. The plant prefers full sun to partial shade, and well-drained soil.
  2. Prepare the planting hole. The hole should be twice the width of the root ball and just deep enough so the plant is at the same level it was in the pot.
  3. Gently remove the plant from the pot and loosening the roots.
  4. Place the plant in the prepared hole and backfill with soil.
  5. Water the plant deeply and mulch around the base to help retain moisture.
  6. Deutzia nikko does not require pruning, but can be trimmed after flowering to shape as desired.
  7. Fertilize in spring with a balanced fertilizer.
  8. The plant is relatively drought tolerant once established, but will flower best with regular watering.
  9. Deutzia nikko is susceptible to powdery mildew and leaf spot, so avoid overhead watering and provide adequate air circulation around the plant.
  10. Enjoy the beautiful white flowers in early summer!

Related plant:
Deutzia Chardonnay Pearls

Soil Condition

About soil condition, Deutzia nikko prefers well-drained but moist, humus-rich soils. If the soil is too dry, the leaves will wilt and the flowers will not open properly. If the soil is too wet, the roots will rot.

Light requirement

Like the other plants, Deutzia Nikko requires a certain amount of sun exposure in order to grow and thrive. If you live in an area with high levels of sunlight, then this plant will do best in a shady spot. However, if you live in an area with more moderate sun exposure, then this plant can tolerate a sunny location.

The Temperature

The temperature condition for Deutzia Nikko is warm to hot. They can withstand some cold, but they will not tolerate excessive heat. They prefer full sun, but can tolerates some shade. They need well-drained soil that is moist, but not soggy.

Humidity Level

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is 50%. This plant cannot tolerate extreme conditions, either too wet or too dry. The leaves may start to wilt if the humidity drops below 50%. If the humidity is too high, the leaves may start to yellow and drop off.

Fertilizing

Discussing fertilizer, this plant does not need much, if any at all. A light top dressing of compost in early spring is all that is really needed. It is important not to overdo it, as too much fertilizer will cause the leaves to become excessively large and the stems to become weak and leggy. The roots of this plant are relatively shallow, so be careful not to damage them when working in the garden.

About light

Pruning is an important part of caring for your Deutzia Nikko. It helps to promote new growth, keep the plant healthy, and control its size. When pruning, be sure to remove any dead or diseased branches. It is also a good idea to cut back any long, leggy branches. This will help to encourage new growth and keep the plant looking tidy.

Plant Propagation

Propagation of Deutzia nikko is best done through softwood cuttings taken in late spring or early summer. Cuttings should be taken from young, healthy growth that is just beginning to harden off. The cuttings should be 4-6 inches long and have at least 2 sets of leaves. Place the cuttings in a propagating tray or pot filled with moistened perlite or vermiculite. Keep the cuttings warm and moist, and in good light, but out of direct sun. Rooting should occur in 4-6 weeks. Once the cuttings have rooted, they can be transplanted into pots filled with a well-drained potting mix.

Growth Speed

Usually, the plant growth rate during the spring and summer when the weather is warm and there is plenty of rainfall. However, if the conditions are too hot and dry, the plant's growth will slow down. In the fall, deutzias enter a period of dormancy in which their growth ceases entirely. If the winter is mild, the plant may resume growing, but if the temperatures are particularly cold, the deutzia may not survive.

Common Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant (plant) are root rot, powdery mildew, and stem canker. Root rot is caused by over-watering or poorly drained soils. Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that can be controlled with fungicides. Stem canker is a bacterial disease that can be controlled with antibiotics.

Basics of Growing

  • Remember to water your Deutzia Nikko regularly, especially during the warmer months.
  • Place your plant in an area of your garden that receives full sun to partial shade.
  • To encourage blooming, fertilize your Deutzia Nikko with a balanced fertilizer once a month.
  • Prune your plant regularly to encourage new growth and prevent it from becoming overgrown.
  • Watch out for aphids, which can sometimes infest Deutzia Nikko plants.
  • If you live in an area with cold winters, you may need to provide some protection for your plant, such as mulching around the base.
  • Deutzia Nikko plants are generally very hardy and easy to care for, but they can sometimes be susceptible to diseases such as powdery mildew.
  • Keep an eye out for pests such as scale insects, which can sometimes infest Deutzia Nikko plants.

Substitution

  • Deutzia mugetsu
  • Deutzia grossa
  • Deutzia crenata
  • Deutzia x lemoinei
  • Deutzia discolor
  • Deutzia scabra
  • Deutzia rosea
  • Deutzia whistleri
  • Deutzia densiflora
  • Deutzia parviflora

Source:
Deutzia gracilis 'Nikko' | Gardens
JC Raulston Arboretum - Our Plants - Deutzia 'Nikko Blush'
JC Raulston Arboretum - Our Plants - Deutzia gracilis 'Nikko Dawn'

Richelle Author Photo
Reviewed & Published by Richelle
Submitted by our contributor
Shrubs Category