The Deutzia is also called the May flower bush or star bush. The ornamental shrub owes this name to its flowers, which appear in May and are often in the shape of small stars. The plant, which belongs to the hydrangea family, comes in numerous variations.
What types of Deutzia are there?
Some well-known Deutzien varieties are Strawberry Fields, gracilis, scabra Plena, Pride of Rochester, x rosea, Mont Rose, scabra, x magnifica, compacta Lavender Time, gracilis Nikko and x elegantissima Rosealind. They vary in height, flower color, flower shape and special features such as scent or bee-friendliness.
From dwarf shrubs to giant Deutzia
The height of Deutzien varies quite a bit. Some dwarf varieties reach just 80 centimeters when fully grown. At four meters, they tower over other varieties by far.
Small varieties are particularly suitable for hedges or keeping in containers. Large Deutzia varieties look good as an eye-catcher in the garden.
The different flower colors and flower shapes
The predominant color of Deutzia flowers is white. There is now a whole selection of varieties with pink and even red flowers. The flowers can be double or unfilled. Some Deutzia flowers give off a light, very pleasant scent, while others have no scent at all.
The flower shapes also vary. Some shrubs bloom in long panicles that curve downward. But there are also Deutzias whose flowers appear in clusters.
Cutting can often produce a second blooming season in the fall.
Small selection of well-known Deutzien varieties
| Variety name | Height | Bloom | Flower color | Special features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deutzia hybrid Strawberry Fields | 80 – 100 cm | Tufts, unfilled | Pink-Red | light strawberry scent / hybrid |
| Deutzie gracilis | 70 – 90 cm | Panel, unfilled | Snow White | Dwarf variety |
| Deutzie scabra Plena | up to 250 cm | filled | White and Red | good bee pasture |
| Pride of Rochester | up to 250 cm | filled | White | hedge plant |
| Deutzia x rosea | up to 150 cm | panicle | White inside, pink outside | slow growth |
| Deutzie Mont Rose | up to 200 cm | panicle | Pink-Red | Hybrids |
| Deutzia scabra | up to 300 cm | Panel, unfilled | White and pink | long panicles |
| Deutzia x magnifica | up to 400 cm | panicle | White | good solitary plant |
| Deutzia compacta Lavender Time | up to 150 cm | clumps, large flowers | White, tinged with pink | slightly sweet scent |
| Deutzia gracilis Nikko | up to 80 cm | panicle | White | Suitable for tubs |
| Deutzia x elegantissima Rosealind | up to 150 cm | Tufts, unfilled | crimson red | dark flowers |
Tip
The non-poisonous Deutzia are very robust and easy to care for. Diseases are almost unknown. The only pest that is more common is the lilac moth. It can be combated with neem oil (€26.00 at Amazon) if the infestation is very severe.
