Deutzia Yuki Snowflake

Deutzia Yuki Snowflake is a new variety with a small growth habit that will appeal to fans of D. 'Nikko'. This adorable little round bush forms a large cushion that is covered with an abundant snowy flowering from early spring, earlier than most other varieties. At the end of the season, it stands out with its beautiful autumn colours. It is undemanding in terms of soil and perfectly hardy. It finds its place in all gardens and in pots on a patio or balcony.

The hybrid Deutzia Yuki Snowflake was obtained by Dr. Thomas G. Ranney at the Arnold Arboretum in Boston, United States. It is derived from the compact D. gracilis 'Nikko' with dazzling autumn colours. This excellent horticultural variety, belonging to the Hydrangeaceae family, has endowed Yuki Snowflake with a particularly compact habit, a superb white flowering, and autumn foliage beautifully coloured in burgundy-purple. Yuki Snowflake is a dwarf bush forming a dense dome that will not exceed 50 to 60cm (20 to 24in) in all directions. Its growth rate is moderate. The remarkably abundant flowering takes place in April-May, almost making the foliage disappear. Its tiny 5-petal star-shaped flowers are grouped in dense panicles along the branches. They attract pollinating insects and stand out beautifully against its small ovate leaves. The foliage is dark green and strongly veined, turning bronze and purple-violet at the end of the season.

A little out of fashion, deutzias are survivors of old gardens, like lilacs and old roses. They are almost indestructible bushes that require little effort but provide a great deal of satisfaction to the gardener.

In the garden, Yuki Snowflake is an excellent landscaping plant that stands out from the first beautiful days of spring. It can be used as a border for flower beds or paths, on a sunny bank, alone or mixed with other small ground cover bushes such as Rosa 'The Fairy' or R. 'Swany', dwarf abelias, caryopteris, Mexican oranges, or shrubby cinquefoils. Its very limited growth means it can fit into small gardens and decorate a terrace or balcony, planted in a large pot.

Deutzia will thrive in moist limestone soil, rich in humus.