Fuzzy pride-of-rochester, Deutzia
Deutzia scabra

Family: Hydrangeaceae

What it is like

Bloom Color: White. Main Bloom Time: Early spring, Late spring, Mid spring. Form: Rounded, Weeping.

Deutzia scabra is a deciduous Shrub growing to 3 m (9ft) by 2 m (6ft) at a medium rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5 and is not frost tender. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very alkaline soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Height (m): 3

Where it is found

Scrub and woodland edges in most areas of Japan.

E. Asia - China, Japan, Korea. Locally naturalized in Austria.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 1

Young leaves - cooked. A famine food, it is only used when all else fails.

Medicine

Rating: 0

Other

Rating:

Wood - fine grained. Used for mosaic and wooden nails.

Nails: A few woods are tough enough to be used in place of metal nails in certain circumstances.

Wood: A list of the trees and shrubs that are noted for having useful wood.

How it is grown

Landscape Uses:Border, Foundation, Massing, Standard, Specimen. An easily grown plant, it tolerates most soils but prefers a moist well-drained fertile humus-rich soil with shade from the early morning sun when grown in areas with late frosts. Prefers a sunny sheltered position, it can be grown on a woodland edge. Tolerates a limey soil. Dormant plants are hardy to about -20°c. The young growth, however, is subject to damage by late frosts and so a suitable position with shelter from early morning spring sunshine is best. A very ornamental plant, it is the best and most reliable species in this genus for growing in Britain. A number of cultivars have been developed for their ornamental value. Flowers are produced on the previous seasons wood. Flowering can be increased by thinning the old shoots after flowering. A very polymorphic plant. Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus. Special Features: Not North American native, Blooms are very showy.

Propagating it: Seed - sow February in a greenhouse and only just cover the seed. Germination is usually good, taking 1 - 3 months at 18°c. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, 10 - 12cm with a heel, end of June to July in a frame. Good to high percentage. Cuttings of ripe wood, 20 - 25cm with a heel, either in an outdoor bed if it is sheltered enough, otherwise in a cold greenhouse.

Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Dappled Shade; Shady Edge;

Habit: Shrub

Hardiness: 5-8

Growth: Medium

Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)

Shade: Semi-shade, no shade

Moisture: Moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

D. crenata. Sieb.&Zucc.