Interestingly, a Deutzia is rarely first in people’s minds when it comes to buying a flowering shrub. This is a pity, because these free-flowering shrubs are problem-free, and easy to grow on any soil. The most commonly seen forms are cultivars of Deutzia × hybrida, with flowers in all shades from deep pink through to white. Another popular species is Deutzia scabra and its cultivars, which mostly produce masses of white flowers in early summer on large, upright woody stems that, in some forms, can reach 3m in height.

Deutzias are hardy, but it is a good idea to grow them in a sheltered position where late frosts will not be able to damage new growth. Prune deutzias immediately after flowering, cutting out some of the stems that have flowered. This will result in graceful, arching replacement growths. Avoid snipping stems later in the season, as this will ruin the look.