How to Grow Deutzia - Plant Care & Tips

By NorwichGardener Team / 2024

Deutzia is a genus of flowering plants in the family Hydrangeaceae, native to Asia and Central America. The genus was named after Johann van der Deutz, a Dutch patron of botany. They are mostly deciduous shrubs growing to 13 m (310 ft) tall, rarely to 4 m (13 ft), with opposite, simple leaves. The flowers are produced in corymbs or panicles of small, four-petaled, white or pink flowers in late spring or early summer.

Also known as

false goat's beard
mountain pride
orange hawkweed
bush dogbane
feather bush

Good to Know

The Deutzia is a genus of plants in the Hydrangeaceae family.
It contains about 60 species of flowering plants, native to Asia, Europe and North America.
The genus was named after Johann von der Decken (1752-1828), a German-born explorer and naturalist.
Deutzia species are deciduous shrubs, ranging in height from 1-5 m (3-8 ft).
They have opposite, simple leaves and clusters of white or pink flowers in spring.
The flowers are bisexual and tubular, with four petals fused at the base.
The fruit is a capsule, containing several small seeds.
Deutzia species are used as ornamental plants in gardens and parks.
Some species are invasive in parts of North America.
Deutzia scabra is the national flower of Nepal.

Related plant:
Deutzia Crenata Nikko

Growing Steps

For deutzia, first step is to find a sunny spot in your garden that has well-drained soil.
Once you have found the perfect spot, dig a hole that is twice the width and depth of the plants root ball.
Next, mix some compost or organic matter into the excavated soil and then backfill the hole.
Gently tamp down the soil around the plant to remove any air pockets.
Water the plant well immediately after planting.
For the first few weeks, water your deutzia daily or as needed to keep the soil moist but not soggy.
Once the plant is established, water it once or twice a week, depending on weather conditions.
Deutzia does not require much fertilizer, but you can feed it once a year in early spring with a balanced granular fertilizer.
Prune deutzia in late winter or early spring to shape it and encourage new growth.
Enjoy the beautiful flowers that appear in late spring!

The Soil

About soil condition, Deutzia prefers rich, well-drained soil, but it is not terribly choosy otherwise. It will grow in sun or partial shade, though it flowers best in full sun. Deutzia is not drought-tolerant, so provide supplemental water during extended dry periods.

About light

Similar to other flowers, Deutzia needs sun to grow and bloom. It should have at least six hours of sun each day, though it will tolerate some shade. If you live in a hot climate, Deutzia will appreciate some afternoon shade to protect it from the hottest sun.

Good Temperature

The temperature condition for optimal growth of Deutzia is 20-24 degrees Celsius. Deutzia can tolerate a range of temperature conditions but grows best within this range. If the temperature drops below 20 degrees Celsius, the plant may experience stunted growth or die. If the temperature rises above 24 degrees Celsius, the plant may experience reduced flower production.

Humidity Level

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is 50%. If the humidity level is too low, the leaves will start to brown and curl. If the humidity level is too high, the leaves will start to yellow and drop off.

Fertilizing

Regarding fertilizer, this kind of plant prefers moderate to high levels of nitrogen and phosphorus. A general-purpose fertilizer with an NPK ratio of 10-10-10 or 12-12-12 can be used. It's best to fertilize deutzia every two to four weeks during the growing season. As for root, deutzia is a shrub with a fibrous root system. It's not very picky about soil type but prefers well-drained soil.

Light requirement

Pruning is an important part of caring for your Deutzia. Not only does it promote healthy growth, but it also keeps the plant looking its best. When pruning, be sure to remove any dead or damaged branches, as well as any that are crossing or rubbing against each other. You can prune Deutzia at any time of year, but late winter or early spring is ideal.

About Propagating

Propagation of Deutzia can be done through rooting stem cuttings taken from the tips of new growth in late spring or early summer. The cuttings should be 4-6 inches long and taken from healthy, vigorous stems. Remove the bottom leaves and stick the cuttings into a well-drained potting mix. Keep the soil moist but not wet and provide bottom heat if possible. Rooting will occur in 4-6 weeks. Once rooted, the plants can be transplanted into individual pots or outdoors into a prepared bed.

Growth Speed

Usually, the plant growth rate is rapid during the first year or two after planting. Thereafter, the rate of growth slows somewhat, although some species continue to grow rapidly for several years. The average growth rate for deutzia is about 10 to 12 inches (25 to 30 cm) per year.

The Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are powdery mildew, rust, and leaf spot. These can all be controlled with a fungicide. Deutzia is also susceptible to root rot, which can be controlled with a root rot fungicide.

Growing Tips

Do not forget to water your deutzia regularly, especially during the hotter months.
Fertilize your deutzia every few weeks during the growing season to ensure optimal growth.
Prune your deutzia regularly to encourage bushy growth.
Place your deutzia in an area that receives full sun for best results.
Be sure to plant your deutzia in well-draining soil.
Pest and disease problems are relatively rare with deutzia, but watch out for aphids and leaf spot.
Deadhead spent flowers on your deutzia regularly to promote more blooms.
If you live in an area with harsh winters, you may need to provide some protection for your deutzia.
Deutzia are generally low-maintenance plants, but they will benefit from occasional deep watering and mulching.
When grown