Deutzia gracilis Chardonnay Pearls

I first experimented with this shrub over a decade ago and continue to sing its praises. I was initially challenged with a tough situation that included the combination of a narrow, west-facing border along a driveway and beneath windows that couldn’t be obscured with anything over 36 inches tall. Of course, Japanese spireas (Spiraea japonica) come to mind, but I wanted to try something else. The row of Chardonnay Pearls deutzia I planted was the perfect prescription for this space, and these specimens continue to survive in their 13th year. Admittedly, deutzias of any sort weren’t common in my design repertoire but that has changed, particularly with this golden gem that reaches 3 feet tall and wide at maturity.

Slender deutzia is a member of the Hydrangeaceae family and prefers moist, richer soils and is not particular about pH. Clay soils are acceptable but good drainage is an important requirement. The golden foliage of this variety is striking and while this woody shrub prefers full sun, in part sun locations, the foliage will still appear as a bright chartreuse. In warmer climates, some degree of shade will help maintain the gold as extremely high heat conditions may bleach out the foliage to a white or crisp the leaves. This truly is an “easy care” shrub and is considered urban tolerant. I’ve seen small specimens of Chardonnay Pearls deutzia included in container compositions and later inserted in the fall landscape. The fall color is usually not noteworthy although I’ve seen some interesting burgundy shades on occasion.

The white, spring flowers start as showy, “pearl-like” buds that later open to small, star-shaped flowers that offer a sweet fragrance like honey. Blooming for two weeks on old wood, any pruning or shearing should be done immediately after flowering. I’ve sheared back this plant after flowering by 50% and new growth creates a more dense, symmetrical specimen. Deutzia is deer resistant and while primarily insect and disease resistant, stressed specimens may be subject to leaf spot, leaf miner or aphids.