The Deutzia (botanically: Deutzia) does not grow particularly quickly. She can therefore easily do without a regular cut. However, it may be worthwhile to prune the bush after flowering. Sometimes the Deutzia blooms a second time in autumn.
When and how should you prune a Deutzia?
We recommend cutting a Deutzia immediately after flowering in June or early July. Cut the withered shoots back to a third, remove weak shoots and shorten any protruding branches. If necessary, rejuvenate every two years.
Stimulate second flowers by cutting
Deutzians are among the weak-growing trees. Many gardeners therefore forego annual pruning. This saves a lot of work when the Deutzia are planted as a hedge.
If you care for the shrub as a single plant in the garden, you should definitely use scissors in spring. Pruning immediately after flowering stimulates the formation of new flowers in autumn. You can then enjoy the pretty flower clusters twice a year.
Pruning the Deutzia after flowering
- Cut back by a third
- Remove weak shoots
- Short shoots that are too long
- Thinning out the bush
The best time to prune Deutzia is June, early July, when the shrub has finished flowering.
Cut the dead shoots down to a third. Always make the cut directly above a bud that faces outwards.
When cutting, make sure that the Deutzia keeps a nice shape. Remove weak shoots and shorten protruding branches. Thin out branches that are too close so that the center of the bush gets enough light.
Removing old wood during rejuvenation cutting
After two to three years, it's time to do a rejuvenation cut. Remove all old, woody shoots. Cut off the old branches as close to the root collar as possible. For this you usually need a pruning saw.
Rejuvenation pruning should then be done every two years to stimulate the Deutzia to form young shoots.
Opinions differ when it comes to the ideal time for a rejuvenation cut. Some gardeners recommend carrying out rejuvenation pruning in late winter, others recommend pruning immediately after flowering.
Cut cuttings for propagation
If you want to plant an entire hedge of Deutzia, take cuttings in the summer to propagate the plant. To do this, use a shoot that grows in the middle of the bush.
Cut a piece 20 to 30 cm long that is not yet completely woody. The lower leaves are removed and the cutting is placed in a pot with germ-free potting soil.
The pot must be bright but not in direct sunlight. Keep the soil evenly moist to allow roots to form. Avoid too much moisture because the cuttings will then rot.
Tip
The non-toxic Deutzia are very robust and easy to care for. The soil should be permeable and nutrient-rich. However, the hardy shrub only produces abundant flowers if it receives enough sun where it is located.
