Slender deutzia (himeutsugi) Deutzia gracilis
Slender deutzia (himeutsugi) (Deutzia gracilis) is a deciduous perennial shrub in the Hydrangeaceae family, native to Japan. It grows 60 cm–1.5 m (24 in–4.9 ft) tall and 60 cm–1.5 m (24 in–4.9 ft) wide, wants full sun and moderate water, and is hardy to about -29 °C (-20 °F). Space plants about 1 m (3.3 ft) apart.
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Slender deutzia (himeutsugi) at a glance
| Type | Perennial shrub, deciduous |
|---|---|
| Family | Hydrangeaceae |
| Mature height | 60 cm–1.5 m (24 in–4.9 ft) |
| Mature spread | 60 cm–1.5 m (24 in–4.9 ft) |
| Spacing | 1 m (3.3 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 4 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance low, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 5.5–7.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About -29 °C (-20 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 4) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 32 °C (90 °F) |
| Flowering | from about May for 2–3 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | Moderate |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Japan |
| Common in gardens of | 🇯🇵 Japan, 🇺🇸 United States, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇩🇪 Germany, 🇳🇱 Netherlands, 🇨🇦 Canada, 🇫🇷 France |
Is Slender deutzia (himeutsugi) toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
No toxicity reported in standard references.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Slender deutzia (himeutsugi)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and moderate water.
Questions about Slender deutzia (himeutsugi)
- How far apart should I plant Slender deutzia (himeutsugi)?
- About 1 m (3.3 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 60 cm–1.5 m (24 in–4.9 ft).
- Does Slender deutzia (himeutsugi) need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 4 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Slender deutzia (himeutsugi) need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is low and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Slender deutzia (himeutsugi)?
- It tolerates about -29 °C (-20 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 4.
- When does Slender deutzia (himeutsugi) flower?
- From about May for 2–3 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Slender deutzia (himeutsugi) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not known to be toxic; for dogs not known to be toxic; for people not known to be toxic. No toxicity reported in standard references.
- What grows well with Slender deutzia (himeutsugi)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Slender deutzia (himeutsugi). Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder, Missouri Botanical Garden
- RHS Plant Finder, Royal Horticultural Society
- Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox, NC State Extension
Notes and assumptions
- A low, arching shrub smothered in white starry flowers in late spring; ‘Nikko’ is a compact form. Flowers on last year’s wood, so prune just after flowering.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Bigleaf hydrangea Hydrangea macrophylla
- Mock orange Philadelphus coronarius
- Panicle hydrangea Hydrangea paniculata
- Smooth hydrangea 'Annabelle' Hydrangea arborescens
- Climbing hydrangea Hydrangea anomala subsp. petiolaris
- Mountain hydrangea (yama-ajisai) Hydrangea serrata
- Yellow wax bells (kirenga-shōma) Kirengeshoma palmata
- Rough-leaved hydrangea Hydrangea aspera