Deutzia x lemoinei

The Deutzia x lemoinei is an excellent hybrid resulting from a cross-breeding between two species: Deutzia gracilis and D. parviflora. It is a beautiful deciduous bush, well-branched and upright, covered in pure white flowers in late spring. It is also easy to grow and hardy. Plant this Deutzia in a flowering hedge, along with other low-maintenance flowering bushes.

The Deutzia x lemoinei was obtained in 1894 by Victor Lemoine (France), known for his lilacs, mock oranges, and other peonies. The Deutzia gracilis gave it its compact habit, and the D. parviflora its spectacular flowering in clusters or corymbs. It is a deciduous bush belonging to the hydrangea family. Growing quite fast, Lemoine's deutzia reaches about 1.75 m in all directions, depending on the growing conditions. The plant can flower as early as the second year of cultivation. The remarkably abundant flowering takes place in May-June, almost hiding the foliage. Its star-shaped flowers with five petals, measuring 1.5 cm in diameter, are grouped in dense panicles measuring 3 to 8 cm long along the branches. They attract pollinating insects. The green leaves are opposite on the stems, lanceolate, 4 to 6 cm long, strongly toothed. They turn yellow in autumn before falling.

Somewhat out of fashion and survivors of old and established gardens, deutzias, like lilacs and old roses, are among those bushes that require little effort but, in return, bring a lot of satisfaction to the gardener. Lemoine's Deutzia is an excellent landscaping plant in the garden that stands out in late spring. It can be used in hedges, mixed with variegated Weigela florida 'Rosea' or 'Alexandra' with purple foliage and Philadelphus coronarius, which are also easy to grow.

Deutzias thrive in limestone soil, rich in humus and moist in summer.