Deutzia pulchra
deutzia
Deutzia pulchra is a handsome deciduous shrub that can be used as a specimen plant, or incorporated into a shrub border where its pretty late spring and summer flowers can be seen at their best. These star-shaped blooms are white with a faint pink flush and they appear in slightly dangling clusters, which look especially good against the backdrop of dark green foliage.
A native of woodland edges and scrub in the Philippines and Taiwan, it is tolerant of a little light shade as long as it is not too dry, but will flower best in full sun. It has an upright habit with arching stems, and as the branches mature they develop peeling bark, which can look like giant cinnamon sticks. In colder areas grow against a south facing wall or provide protection by tucking it in between other plants.
A native of woodland edges and scrub in the Philippines and Taiwan, it is tolerant of a little light shade as long as it is not too dry, but will flower best in full sun. It has an upright habit with arching stems, and as the branches mature they develop peeling bark, which can look like giant cinnamon sticks. In colder areas grow against a south facing wall or provide protection by tucking it in between other plants.
How to care for Deutzia pulchra:
Plant in well-drained, moisture-retentive soil in sun or light shade. For pots, use a loam-based compost such as John Innes No.3, with good drainage to prevent waterlogging. Water newly planted shrubs regularly until established, and keep container-grown plants watered during dry spells.
Tip-prune young plants in spring by pinching out soft shoot tips or cutting back longer growth by a third to encourage a bushy shape. After flowering, cut back spent flowered stems to a strong, healthy bud. Remove about a quarter of the oldest stems at the base to promote new growth and keep the shrub compact. Apply a balanced fertiliser in spring to support good flowering and healthy foliage.
Tip-prune young plants in spring by pinching out soft shoot tips or cutting back longer growth by a third to encourage a bushy shape. After flowering, cut back spent flowered stems to a strong, healthy bud. Remove about a quarter of the oldest stems at the base to promote new growth and keep the shrub compact. Apply a balanced fertiliser in spring to support good flowering and healthy foliage.
Flowering period:
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Eventual height:
2.5m
Eventual spread:
2m
Position:
Full sun / light shade
Rate of growth:
Fast-growing
Soil:
Moderately fertile, moist, well-drained soil
Hardiness:
Borderline hardy (will need protection in winter in colder areas)
-
This shrub is deciduous so it will lose all its leaves in autumn, then fresh new foliage appears again each spring.
2 litre pot
£19.99
available to order from spring
Unavailable
3 × 2 litre pots
£46.99
£15.66 each
available to order from spring
Unavailable
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