Showy deutzia is an artificial hybrid deciduous shrub that resulted from the cross between Deutzia scabra and Deutzia discolor. It was developed and introduced by the Lemoine Nursery of Nancy, France, in 1909. It is a member of the hydrangea family (Hydrangeaceae). The hybrid epithet is Latin for “magnificent.” Showy deutzia tolerates both full sun and partial shade, but it flowers better in full sun. It may be planted in most soil types, as long as the soil is moist and well-drained. Annual pruning is needed to remove dead branches and is best done immediately after flowering. Keep in mind when pruning that blossoms will appear on old growth. The shrub is propagated by softwood cuttings. The shrub grows dense and upright with arching branches. It may reach a height of 6 to 10 feet and a width of 4 to 8 feet. The upright. slender, and arching stems have leaves that are bright green on the upper surface and grayish-green and hairy on the undersides. Large, dense panicles of tiny, white, double flowers bloom from May to June and cover the shrub for about 2 weeks. The foliage of this shrub is similar to its parent, Deutzia scabra. The flowers of this hybrid, however, have shorter, broader, and denser panicles, and the blooms are white and double. Showy Deutzia will bring added interest to a border, cottage garden, or woodland setting. Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: Showy Deutzia has no serious pest or disease issues. More information on Deutzia .
Curated pairwise relationships between this plant and others in the library — who feeds
whom, who competes, who confuses the pests. Green reads as a good pairing, red as one to avoid.
No curated interactions recorded for this species yet.
Also noted by NC State
Related species the NC State Plant Toolbox flags for this plant — look-alikes to tell
apart, and plants that play a similar role in a planting. Ones we carry in the library are linked.
Fills a similar nicheDeutzia x lemoineiDeutzia x roseaSpiraea prunifolia
Full plant profile
Growing Conditions
Plant type
Perennial; Shrub
Life cycle
Woody
USDA zones
5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b
Light
Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day) | Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
Soil texture
Clay; High Organic Matter; Loam (Silt); Sand
Soil pH
Acid (<6.0); Alkaline (>8.0); Neutral (6.0-8.0)
Soil drainage
Good Drainage | Moist
NC region
Coastal; Mountains; Piedmont
Mature size
Height: 6 ft. 0 in. - 10 ft. 0 in. | Width: 4 ft. 0 in. - 8 ft. 0 in.
Maintenance
Low
Canopy layer
3 - Shrub (3-15 ft)
Form & Appearance
Habit / form
Arching; Dense; Erect
Foliage
Deciduous
Leaf color
Gray/Silver; Green
Leaf type
Simple
Leaf arrangement
Opposite
Leaf shape
Oblong; Ovate
Leaf margin
Dentate
Leaf feel
Soft
Leaf size
3-6 inches long, 3-6 inches wide
Hairs present
Yes
Leaf detail
The leaves are simple, opposite, ovate to oblong, and measure up to 4 inches long. The upper surface of the leaf is bright green, and the lower surface is grayish-green and hairy.
Fall color
Insignificant
Flower color
White
Flower value
Showy
Flower form
Panicle
Flower size
< 1 inch
Flower detail
Large panicles or clusters of tiny double white flowers bloom for about 2 weeks from May to June. The flowers measure up to 5/8 inches in diameter, and the panicle measures up to 2.5 inches across.
Bloom time
Spring
Stem detail
The stems are slender and arching.
Wildlife & Ecology
Native status
Unknown
Origin
Hybrid introduced in Lemoine Nursery of Nancy, France in1909
Play value
Attractive Flowers
Landscape Use
Landscape location
Coastal; Woodland
Landscape theme
Asian Garden; Cottage Garden
Design feature
Border; Foundation Planting; Hedge; Screen/Privacy