Deutzia

One of the “oldies but goodies” of the nursery world, Deutzia may have become less well-known over the generations but certainly not less worthy. Very undemanding and dependable, these small shrubs are easy to use and are making a comeback in the realm of “what’s old is new again” with new leaf colors. Long-used has been the variety ‘Nikko,’ a dense, low tuffet of willowy green leaves that have good fall color and produces loads of white starry flowers in spring. It has a more sprawling nature that lends itself well to covering slopes or draping over the edge of a garden wall. Chardonnay Pearls® grows a bit more upright and rounded with the same flowers over bright lemon-yellow leaves, and Crème Fraiche™ has cream-edged leaves. If you want a touch of pink, Yuki Cherry Blossom™ has pink backs to every petal. Deutzia’s mid- to late spring bloom time make it a great companion for lilacs, deciduous azaleas, mockorange, dianthus (pinks), nepeta (catmint), garden sage and heuchera (coral bells) for foliage, and as a lovely foil for groundcover junipers and other needled evergreens.

by Miri Talabac, Woody Plant Buyer