Deutzia Nikko

Deutzia gracilis Nikko

Common Name: Nikko Deutzia

Deutzia gracilis Nikko is a dwarf flowering shrub that is wonderfully rewarding to grow. This sub-shrub is covered in white double flowers in spring for a good two weeks. The flowers are subtly fragrant and arranged in clusters along the branches. The slender bright green leaves turn a lovely burgundy shade in the fall. With all these great features, it is no wonder it received an Award of Garden Merit from the Royal Horticultural Society and a Gold Medal from the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society.

Nikko is a compact, spreading, deciduous sub-shrub, reaching only 1 – 2 feet high and spreading to 3 – 4 feet wide. It has arching branches that take on a rounded shape. It grows easily over a wide range of light and soil conditions, and is not bothered by pests or diseases. Use it as a groundcover to smother weeds and fill in bare spaces, allow it to cascade over stone walls, or grow it as an accent specimen in the ground or in containers.

Nikko Deutzia Care

This dwarf shrub develops the most flowers and best fall color in full sun, requiring at least 4 – 6 hours of sunlight per day. In hot climates, Nikko appreciates some afternoon shade. It is not particular about soil types or pH level, although the soil should be well draining. It performs best in consistently moist soil and will develop drought tolerance over time. Apply a 3-inch layer of compost around the root zone to conserve moisture.  

Prune Nikko after blooming because it flowers on old wood. Remove one-third of the old branches to maintain the arching shape and expose the center of the plant to more sunlight and better air circulation. 

Nikko Deutzia Spacing

When planting as a uniform hedge, space plants approximately 3 feet apart on center. For accent planting, provide 5 feet for this shrub to spread out. Nikko can also be grown in a pot at least 24 inches in diameter.

USDA Plant Hardiness Zones: 5a-8b

Plant Type: Deciduous Flowering Shrub

Height at Maturity: 18-24"

Width at Maturity: 18-24"

Spacing: 18" for mass planting; 36"+ for space between plants

Growth Habit / Form: Mounding, Spreading

Growth Rate: Moderate to Fast

Flower Color: White

Flower Size: Small

Flowering Period: Spring

Flower Type: Single

Fragrant Flowers: No

Foliage Color: Dark Green in Spring, Deep Burgundy in Fall

Fragrant Foliage: No 

Berries:  No

Berry Color: na

Sun Needs: Full to Mostly Sun, Morning Sun with Afternoon Shade or Filtered Sun, Morning Shade with Afternoon Sun

Water Needs:  Average

Soil Type: Clay (amended), Loam, Sand (amended), Silt (amended)

Soil Moisture / Drainage: Moist But Well-Drained, drought tolerant when established

Soil pH: 6.0 – 8.0 (Slightly Acid to Slightly Alkaline) 

Maintenance / Care: Very Low

Attracts: Visual Attention

Resistances / Tolerances: Deer, Drought, Cold Hardy