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 soon after delivery. They are supplied in spring between February and May and should be planted within a week of arrival. Unpack within 1-2 days of delivery and place the root in a bucket of water outside to soak prior to planting.

— If planting directly into a border, ensure the area is prepared by digging over, removing weeds and cutting back any neighbouring plants which may compete with or smother the new plant during the growing season. Dig a hole large enough to fit the whole root system. The stem/branches should be left exposed 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 soil by mixing some organic matter such as compost or leaf mould to the planting hole, this soft texture will help the roots bed in well and the added nutrients will give the plant a boost. Avoid adding manure to the planting hole as it can be too rich and damage the new roots.

— Position the shrub with the most attractive side is facing into the garden, then backfill the hole and firm down. Water thoroughly to settle the soil around the roots and hydrate the plant.

— If your growing conditons are more challenging (poor soil, crowded planting area), or if you haven't decided exactly where to position your shrub just yet, it is best to pot up your shrub into a 20-30cm temporary container and grow it on until it's more established. It can be transferred into a border later in the year, once the roots become visible through the drainage hole in the bottom of the pot or when the plant easily comes out of the pot with the soil held together 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 continue regularly the first year while the plant settles in. 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.

Read further general instructions about planting bare-root shrubs