Deutzia are easy to grow deciduous shrubs grown for their profuse five-petalled flowers which appear in late spring. Requiring full sun or partial shade and preferring a well-drained fertile soil, this shrub brings year round-structure to the garden and provides a good season of colour too. Shrubs can be pruned to size and although naturally they can grow to quite a height, it is easy to prune away branches as and when needed and clip to maintain shape and the right size for the space. Plant Deutzia in borders, shrubberies or as a stand-alone feature in a small bed. As the blooms are relatively short lived, planting perennials or summer bulbs around this shrub will extend the period of interest in the space. These are a versatile shrub that requires minimal care once established.

How to plant

• Plant Deutzia bare roots in spring between February and May, ideally within a week of delivery.
  
• Soak the roots in water for 3-6 hours prior to planting. Prepare a hole large enough to accommodate the roots so that they will be fully submerged after planting. Any top growth, including stems and branches should remain above the soil surface after planting. Ensure the hole is the correct depth so that the soil is level with the point at which the roots meet the stem.
  
• Improve the initial growing conditions by digging in some organic matter like compost or leaf mould to the planting hole, this soft texture will help the roots bed in well.
  
• When the shrub is in place, backfill the hole and firm down. Water thoroughly to settle the soil around the roots and hydrate the plant.
  
• They can also be potted into temporary pots with multipurpose compost and grown on prior to planting out, which is recommended if the soil in your garden is poor. If potting up first, grow them on in a sheltered spot outside. They can be transplanted to suitable growing positions after 2-4 months or once growth is established and the plant easily comes out of the temporary pot with the soil held intact in a root ball.
  
• When planting into the garden, choose a position in full sun or partial shade. Deutzia prefers a moist but well-drained soil.
  
• As with all new plants, check them regularly while they’re settling in for pest damage and remove any excess growth from neighbouring plants to reduce competition.
  
• This shrub is deciduous and will lose its leaves in autumn. It is fully hardy and does not require winter protection.
  
• Water when planted and for the first year while the plant establishes. Once established, watering should only be necessary in particularly dry spells.

Aftercare

• Minimal maintenance is required once this shrub is established, however you should prune or clip this shrub after flowering to maintain shape and encourage branching.
  
• Once mature, Deutzia can be rejuvenated by pruning a third of the oldest stems to the ground during winter, allowing for new growth and to reduce congestion.
  
• Mulch annually during winter or spring to maintain soil moisture and structure and add nutrients.