DEUTZIA. Widely scattered locations, mostly in East Asia. This is a group of deciduous shrubs allied to Philadelphus. They vary in size and habit but generally have rather stiff branches lined by pairs of pointed-oval or lance shaped, deeply veined leaves. In many cases these color beautifully in the fall, even in a coastal climate. However, their most distinctive feature is their abundance of durable five-petalled flowers. These range from white to deep pink in color and usually appear in late spring. Deutzias are easily grown in a sunny site, thriving in many soils with moderate watering. The following are hardy to 0oF or less.
x elegantissima ‘Rosealind’. This one was received from Forestfarm and promises to be among the best. It grows 3-5’ high, with slender, arching branches. The leaves are pointed oval in outline, about 2" long, dark green above and paler beneath. In late spring and summer it bears many open clusters of deep pink, single flowers, each about 1" broad. The leaves take on pleasing orange and red shades before dropping in fall. ‘Strawberry Fields’ is a similar, more recent hybrid with larger, darker flowers, showing crimson markings on the backs of the petals. Sun, most soils, moderate watering. Hardy to 0oF. or less.
gracilis ‘Nikko’. A slender stemmed, spreading shrub, usually not over 2’ high. It has attractive dark, narrow leaves and covers itself with small, pure white flowers in late spring and early summer.
x hybrida. Hybrids of D. discolor and D. longifolia, neither of which seems to be cultivated in California. These are stocky shrubs, usually under 6’ high, with large, rather thick leaves and generous clusters of waxy, colorful flowers. ‘Magicien’ is an old (vintage 1920s) hybrid but only recently known in California. It is nearly upright, growing around 5’ high. The leaves are 3-4" long and tapered, bright green in color. Nestled among them in early summer are many clusters of 1" blossoms, deep pink on the outer surface, lighter pink with white centers inside. ‘Pink Pompon’, from the ‘60s, is similar in habit and foliage. It is distinguished by tight, roundish clusters of fully double, bright pink flowers.