Deutzia x kalmiiflora

This deutzia is a hybrid between deutzia parviflora and deutzia purpurascens, and its name implies similarity to mountain laurel (kalmia) flowers. They are about 2cm across, star-shaped, pale pink or almost white inside, and rich pink on the outside as well as the buds. The centre is decorated with a crown of yellow stamens. They come out in mid May and bloom for 3-4 weeks. Leaves are deciduous, medium green, 5-7cm long, narrowly obovate with a tip, serrated at margins, with wine red and margins or veins. Stalks and young twigs are red, too.

In its first year its shoots are only slightly arching and become more arching or even pendent in its second year when they produce numerous flowers. Therefore, any pruning should be done immediately after flowering (late June / early July). We usually suggest cutting off branches with spent flowers. Older plants have a beautiful bark which peels off in large flakes at the bottom part and looks awesome especially in winter when there are no leaves on the shrub and the ground is covered with fresh snow.

Deutzias are quite soil adaptable and will grow in sun or part shade, too, but will look best in full sun and evenly moist soil. Fully hardy to about -34°C (USDA zone 4).

Last update 05-02-2014