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Rough-leaved deutzia

Deutzia scabra

Common names:
rough-leaved deutzia, roughleaf deutzia, fuzzy deutzia

Content Detail

Rough-leaved deutzia is an old-fashioned, large, upright to oval, spreading shrub reaching 6 to 10 feet tall and 4 to 8 feet wide. The spreading, arching stems are laden with showy, pink-tinged white flower panicles in spring. The dark, peeling bark adds winter texture. Best at back of border or use as a screen. May be difficult to find in nursery with newer and more improved plants available.

  • Family (English) Hydrangea
  • Family (botanic) Hydrangeacae
  • Tree or plant type Shrub
  • Foliage Deciduous (seasonally loses leaves)
  • Native locale Non-native
  • Size range Medium shrub (5-8 feet), Large shrub (more than 8 feet)
  • Light exposure Full sun (6 hrs direct light daily), Partial sun / shade (4-6 hrs light daily)
  • Hardiness zones Zone 5 (Northern Illinois), Zone 6 (City of Chicago), Zone 7
  • Soil preference Alkaline soil, Moist, well-drained soil
  • Tolerances Occasional drought
  • Season of interest mid spring, late spring, late summer
  • Flower color and fragrance White
  • Shape or form Arching, Multi-stemmed, Oval, Upright
  • Growth rate Moderate, Slow

Size & form: 

Rough-leaved deutzia is an upright, oval, spreading shrub, reaching 8 to 10 feet tall and 4 to 8 feet wide.

Native geographic location and habitat: 

This plant is native to Japan and China.

Attracts birds, pollinators, or wildlife: 

Butterflies and pollinators are attracted to the flowers.

Bark color and texture: 

Arching stems have a brown, peeling bark.

Leaf or needle arrangement, size, shape, and texture: 

Opposite, dull green leaves are 1 to 4 inches long with a rough upper surface. Fall color has a tinge of purple.

Flower arrangement, shape, and size: 

Erect white flower panicles are 3 to 6 inches long, with each flower up to 1/2 inch wide and with a tinge of pink. The flowers are slightly fragrant.

Fruit, cone, nut, and seed descriptions: 

The dehiscent brown capsules are not showy.

Plant Care: 

Rough-leaved deutzia performs best in full sun to light shade in well-drained soil, although it is pH adaptable. Can be a coarse looking plant if not pruned regularly to maintain shape. Flowers on old wood, so prune soon after flowering.

List of pests, diseases, and tolerances: 

Leaf spots, leaf miner, and powdery mildew can all be problems for this plant.

Double-flowering rough-leaved deutzia (Deutzia scabra ‘Plena’):

Pure white, double-flowering form.

Godshall Pink rough-leaved deutzia (Deutzia scabra ‘Godshall Pink’ syn. Codsall Pink’): 

This cultivar typically grows 6 to 10  feet tall with a spread of 4 to 8 feet. It has fully double pink flowers.

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