Fuzzy Deutzia Deutzia scabra 'Candidissima' (d)
ABOUT
Deutzia scabra 'Candidissima', commonly known as Fuzzy Deutzia, is a visually appealing shrub that stands out with its distinctive features. Its most striking attribute is the abundant clusters of flowers that bloom in the late spring to early summer. These flowers are pure white, double blossoms that create a frothy display of petals along the arching branches of the shrub. The leaves of the Fuzzy Deutzia are another characteristic that draws attention. As the common name suggests, the leaves have a rough, textured feel, much like sandpaper, due to the fine hairs that cover them. This fuzziness is most pronounced on the undersides of the leaves. In addition to their texture, the leaves are oval-shaped with a pointed tip and have toothed edges which add to the overall ornate appearance of the shrub. The leafy backdrop is a lush green, providing a perfect contrast to the white flowers, making them even more prominent. The branches of the shrub have a graceful, spreading form that lends a casual elegance to the plant's silhouette. The plant's overall impression is one of rustic charm mixed with delicate beauty, thanks to the juxtaposition of its rough leaves and the softness of its flowers. Fuzzy Deutzia is favored for its decorative appeal and the visual interest it adds to gardens and landscapes where it's used as an ornamental plant.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Fuzzy Deutzia, Pride of Rochester.
Common names
Deutzia scabra var. candidissima, Deutzia scabra 'Plena'.
ToxicityTo humans
Fuzzy Deutzia (Deutzia scabra 'Candidissima') is not commonly known to be toxic to humans. However, it is always advisable to avoid ingestion of any plant parts unless it is known to be edible, as individual allergies or sensitivities can occur. There is no widespread documentation of toxic effects from ingesting Fuzzy Deutzia.
To pets
Fuzzy Deutzia (Deutzia scabra 'Candidissima') is not documented to be toxic to pets. However, it is generally recommended to prevent pets from ingesting plants not intended for consumption to avoid potential gastrointestinal upset or allergic reactions. There are no specific symptoms of poisoning associated with this plant as it is not known for its toxicity.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
6-10 feet (1.8-3 meters)
Spread
4-5 feet (1.2-1.5 meters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
5-8
Native area
Japan
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Appeal: Deutzia scabra 'Candidissima' features attractive, double white flowers that enhance garden aesthetics when in bloom.
- Wildlife Habitat: The plant offers food in the form of nectar and habitat for various pollinators, including bees and butterflies.
- Seasonal Interest: It provides visual interest throughout the seasons, with flowers in spring and lush green foliage in summer, which sometimes changes color in the fall.
- Low Maintenance: Fuzzy deutzia is relatively easy to care for, with minimal pruning and watering requirements once established.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, the plant has a moderate level of drought tolerance, making it suitable for gardens with less water availability.
- Versatility: This shrub can be used in various garden settings such as borders, hedges, and foundation plantings, offering flexibility in landscape design.
- Soil Adaptability: It can adapt to a wide range of soil types, although it prefers well-drained, fertile soil.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Deutzia 'Candidissima' can be used in bonsai cultivation for those seeking to explore the art with a less common species, due to its attractive flowers and manageable growth habit.
- Flowers from the Deutzia 'Candidissima' may be used as a natural dye for fabrics, offering subtle colors from its petals.
- Cut branches of Deutzia 'Candidissima' can be used in floral arrangements, adding a delicate and frothy texture to bouquets or centerpieces.
- The plant can serve as a living fence when planted in a row, providing both privacy and ornamental value with its dense foliage and blossoms.
- Deutzia 'Candidissima' can be cultivated as a topiary, as it responds well to pruning and can be shaped over time.
- The peeling bark of mature Deutzia 'Candidissima' can offer an interesting textural element for educational or artistic displays, showcasing the diversity of plant bark textures.
- Gardeners may use the plant to create a thematic "white garden," where 'Candidissima,' with its pure white flowers, can serve as a key element amongst other white-flowering plants.
- Dried flowers of Deutzia 'Candidissima' can be used in potpourri mixes, providing a light fragrance and adding to the visual variety of the dried components.
- Insect-friendly gardens can incorporate Deutzia 'Candidissima' to support local pollinators, as its blooms are a food source for bees and other beneficial insects.
- Photographers and artists may use Deutzia 'Candidissima' as a subject for studies in light and texture, especially when capturing the intricate details of its blossoms.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Fuzzy Deutzia is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Fuzzy Deutzia is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Purity - The pristine white flowers of 'Candidissima' signify innocence and purity, reflecting its clear and untainted appearance.
- Humility - Deutzia scabra 'Candidissima', commonly known as Fuzzy Deutzia, is not a showy plant despite its beauty, which can represent modesty and down-to-earth attitudes.
- Transient beauty - The Fuzzy Deutzia has a relatively short blooming period, symbolizing the fleeting nature of beauty and life's ephemeral moments.
- Renewal - As a plant that blooms annually, it can be associated with the idea of rebirth and new beginnings each spring.
WaterFuzzy pride of Rochester prefers to be watered deeply, and the soil should be allowed to dry out partially between waterings to prevent root rot. Typically, during the growing season, water the plant every 7 to 10 days with approximately 0.5 gallons per watering for a medium-sized shrub, depending on weather conditions and soil drainage. In the winter months, reduce watering frequency because the plant's water requirements decrease. Ensure that the water penetrates the soil deeply by watering at the base of the plant rather than from above to minimize leaf wetness and potential disease.
LightFuzzy pride of Rochester thrives in full sun to partial shade, with a preference for bright, indirect sunlight. The best spot for this plant is one where it can receive at least 4 to 6 hours of sunlight daily, ideally in the morning with some afternoon shade in hotter climates to protect it from the intense midday sun.
TemperatureFuzzy pride of Rochester is hardy and can withstand temperatures down to about 20 degrees Fahrenheit but prefers a range of 60 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit for optimal growth. It usually handles high temperatures well, but it should be protected from severe frosts that can damage its foliage and stems.
PruningFuzzy pride of Rochester should be pruned to maintain shape and encourage bushier growth with more blooms. The best time to prune is immediately after the flowers fade in late spring or early summer. Remove any dead or diseased branches, and trim back about one-third of the oldest stems to promote new growth. Pruning can be done annually or as necessary to maintain the desired plant size and shape.
CleaningAs needed
SoilFuzzy Deutzia thrives in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. A mix consisting of garden loam, compost, and peat would be ideal. The optimal pH for this shrub is slightly acidic to neutral, ranging from 6.0 to 7.0.
RepottingFuzzy Deutzia typically does not require frequent repotting. It should be repotted if it becomes root-bound or the soil is exhausted. In general, repotting every 2-3 years should suffice.
Humidity & MistingFuzzy Deutzia is adaptable to a range of humidity levels but prefers moderate humidity. It doesn't require special humidity conditions and will generally do well in the ambient outdoor humidity.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure bright light, well-drained soil, and moderate water.
Outdoor
Plant in sun to part shade, enriched, moist soil.
Hardiness zone
5-8 USDA
Life cycleDeutzia scabra 'Candidissima', commonly known as Fuzzy Deutzia, begins its life cycle as a seed that germinates in moist, well-drained soil during spring. After germination, the seedling emerges and develops into a young plant with characteristic fuzzy leaves. Over time, the plant enters a vegetative stage, growing woody stems and forming a deciduous shrub. Fuzzy Deutzia reaches maturity in a few years, where it produces clusters of white, fragrant flowers typically in late spring to early summer. After pollination, usually by bees, the flowers develop into small, dry, capsule-like fruits containing seeds. The plant goes dormant in winter, with the cycle repeating as new seeds germinate in the following growing season.
PropogationPropogation time
Early spring
Propogation: Deutzia scabra 'Candidissima', commonly known as Fuzzy Deutzia, is typically propagated through softwood cuttings. The ideal time to propagate the plant is in late spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing. To propagate by cuttings, a gardener would take a 4 to 6-inch (about 10 to 15 centimeters) cutting from a healthy, non-flowering stem. The lower leaves are removed, and the cut end is often treated with a rooting hormone to encourage root development. This cutting is then placed in a well-draining potting mix and kept consistently moist but not waterlogged. The pot should be kept in indirect light until roots develop, which can be checked by gently tugging on the cutting to feel for resistance. Once the roots are established, the new Fuzzy Deutzia plant can be transplanted to a more permanent location.
