Slender Deutzia
Deutzia gracilis
Saxifragaceae · broadleaf deciduous shrub · introduced
Last updated
Slender deutzia (Deutzia gracilis, Saxifragaceae) is a compact deciduous shrub from Japan, reaching 2 to 4 feet tall. Small white five-petaled flowers (13 to 19 millimeters) cover the plant in April to May. Opposite, oblong-lanceolate leaves (2.5 to 7.5 centimeters) on slender arching branches create a graceful form.
Slender deutzia grows in sun to part shade on adaptable, well-drained soils with moderate water needs, tolerating clay, hardy in Zones 4a to 8b. It blooms on old wood; prune immediately after flowering. No significant pest or disease issues are documented. Cultivars include 'Nikko' (2 feet, dense mounding, burgundy fall color) and 'Chardonnay Pearls' (3 feet, chartreuse-yellow foliage).
Quick Facts
Phenological Calendar
Regional Season Tracker
GDD₃₂ accumulation across 7 Puget Sound stations · as of Mar 22, 2026| Station | GDD₃₂ | Current Stage | Next | To Go |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seattle / UW | 1,013 | Pre-season | Bloom start | 225 |
| Issaquah / East King | 1,006 | Pre-season | Bloom start | 232 |
| Olympia / Tumwater | 952 | Pre-season | Bloom start | 286 |
| Bellingham / Whatcom | 948 | Pre-season | Bloom start | 290 |
| Kent / Auburn | 942 | Pre-season | Bloom start | 296 |
| Sequim / Rain Shadow | 924 | Pre-season | Bloom start | 314 |
| Tacoma / Puyallup | 921 | Pre-season | Bloom start | 317 |
| Stage | GDD32 | Typical Window |
|---|---|---|
| Bud break BBCH 07 | — | Feb 15-Mar 15 |
| Leaf emergence BBCH 11 | — | Mar 1-Apr 1 |
| ○ Bloom start BBCH 61 NEXT | 1238 | Apr 1-Apr 30 est. Apr 11 (avg) |
| Bloom end / petal fall BBCH 69 | — | Apr 15-May 15 |
| Fruit/seed development BBCH 71 | — | Mar 15-May 31 |
| Fruit/seed maturity BBCH 85 | — | Jun 1-Aug 31 |
| Leaf drop BBCH 93 | — | Oct 15-Nov 30 |
| Dormancy BBCH 97 | — | Nov 15-Feb 28 |
GDD = Growing Degree Days (base 32°F, Jan 1 start). Why base 32? Hover over GDD values for source details. Season tracker for Kent / Auburn as of Mar 22, 2026. Predicted dates use 16-day weather forecast through Apr 7, 2026, then climate normals.