Description of Deutzia scabra Thunb. var. candidissima (Froebel) Rehd.
Deutzia scabra Thunb. var. candidissima (Froebel) Rehd. is a deciduous shrub that belongs to the hydrangea family, Hydrangeaceae. It is native to China, Japan, and Korea, where it grows in mountainous regions, forests, and along stream banks.
Common Names
The plant is commonly known as the "Fuzzy Deutzia" due to its hairy leaves, "Pride of Rochester" for its large and showy flowers, and "White Robe Deutzia" for its white blooms.
Appearance
The Deutzia scabra Thunb. var. candidissima (Froebel) Rehd. can grow up to 3 meters in height and has a spread of up to 2.5 meters. It has an upright and rounded growth habit, with multiple stems originating from the base. The leaves are ovate to oblong, with serrated edges, and are covered with fine hairs. The flowers are borne in axillary panicles, with individual flowers measuring 1 to 1.5 centimeters in diameter. The flowers are white, star-shaped, and have a sweet fragrance.
Uses
The Deutzia scabra Thunb. var. candidissima (Froebel) Rehd. is commonly used as an ornamental shrub in gardens and landscaping due to its showy flowers and foliage. The plant prefers moist and well-drained soil and is tolerant of partial shade. Apart from being an ornamental plant, Deutzia scabra Thunb. var. candidissima (Froebel) Rehd. is also used in traditional Chinese medicine for various ailments, including fever, sore throat, and skin conditions.
Light Requirements
Deutzia scabra Thunb. var. candidissima (Froebel) Rehd. prefers full sun to partial shade for optimum growth. Providing adequate light is critical for photosynthesis and flowering of this plant. It is recommended to place it in an area where it can receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.
Temperature Requirements
The plant can thrive in temperate to cold regions. It can withstand frost and temperatures as low as -15°C. However, it prefers temperatures between 18°C to 21°C during the growing season. It is essential to protect the plant from extreme temperature changes, particularly frost during the winter season, to avoid damage to foliage and flowers.
Soil Requirements
Deutzia scabra Thunb. var. candidissima (Froebel) Rehd. grows best in loamy and well-drained soil with a pH range of 5.5-7.5. The soil should be rich in organic matter with good water retention capacity. The plant can also tolerate slightly acidic soils. It is essential to ensure that the soil does not become waterlogged as it can lead to root rot. The addition of compost or well-rotted manure to the soil can help improve its quality and fertility.
Cultivation methods
Deutzia scabra Thunb. var. candidissima (Froebel) Rehd. prefers to grow in full sun or partial shade and requires well-draining soil. It can thrive in a variety of soil types, from sandy soil to clay soil, as long as the soil is well-draining. This plant is cold hardy and grows well in USDA hardiness zones 5 to 8.
Watering needs
Deutzia scabra Thunb. var. candidissima (Froebel) Rehd. prefers consistent soil moisture and does not tolerate drought well. Water the plant regularly to ensure that the soil remains moist but not waterlogged. During the hot summer months, the plant may require additional watering to prevent the soil from drying out.
Fertilization
To promote healthy growth and blooms, fertilize Deutzia scabra Thunb. var. candidissima (Froebel) Rehd. in the early spring with a balanced fertilizer. Use a slow-release granular fertilizer or a liquid fertilizer according to the package instructions. Avoid over-fertilizing the plant as it can cause excessive growth and reduce the number of flowers.
Pruning
Prune Deutzia scabra Thunb. var. candidissima (Froebel) Rehd. in the late winter or early spring before new growth appears. Remove any dead or damaged branches, as well as any crossing or rubbing branches. Cut back the previous year's growth by one-third to encourage new growth and plenty of blooms. Avoid pruning the plant too heavily as it can reduce the number of blooms in the following season.
Propagation of Deutzia scabra Thunb. var. candidissima
Deutzia scabra Thunb. var. candidissima, commonly known as fuzzy pride-of-Rochester, is a deciduous shrub that belongs to the family Hydrangeaceae. It is a popular ornamental plant cultivated for its showy clusters of pink or white flowers that appear in late spring or early summer. The plant can grow up to 2-4 meters in height and 2-3 meters in width. Propagation of Deutzia scabra Thunb. var. candidissima can be done through various methods such as:
Softwood Cutting
Softwood cuttings of Deutzia scabra Thunb. var. candidissima can be collected in early summer when the plant is actively growing. Select healthy branches that have not yet become woody and are still green and flexible. Cut a 10-15 cm section of the branch using a sharp, sterilized knife, making sure to include at least one node. Remove the lower leaves from the cutting and dip the cut end in rooting hormone powder. Insert the cutting into a pot filled with a mixture of sand and peat moss, and keep it in a warm, humid environment. Ensure that the soil remains moist, but not waterlogged. Rooting should occur within 3-4 weeks, after which the plant can be transplanted to its permanent location.
Hardwood Cutting
Hardwood cuttings can be taken in late autumn or early winter when the plant has become dormant. Select healthy, mature branches and cut them into 15-20 cm sections, making sure to include at least two nodes. Dip the lower end of the cutting in rooting hormone powder and plant it in a pot filled with well-draining soil. Keep the soil moist and place the pot in a sheltered location with bright, indirect light. Roots should start to form in 2-3 months, after which the plant can be transplanted to a permanent location.
Division
Deutzia scabra Thunb. var. candidissima can also be propagated through division. This method is best done in early spring before new growth appears. Dig up the plant and carefully separate the roots into sections, making sure that each division has several healthy shoots. Plant each division in a well-drained soil mix and water thoroughly. Keep the soil moist and place the newly planted divisions in a shaded location until they become established.
Disease and Pest Management for Deutzia scabra Thunb. var. candidissima (Froebel) Rehd.
Deutzia scabra Thunb. var. candidissima (Froebel) Rehd is a deciduous shrub that can suffer from various diseases and pests. Effective management of these diseases and pests is essential to maintain the plant's health and vigor. Here are some common diseases and pests that can infect Deutzia scabra Thunb. var. candidissima and ways to manage them:
Diseases:
Canker: Canker is caused by fungus and can affect the stems and bark of the plant. The infected stems may show sunken lesions, and the bark may crack and peel. The canker spreads easily and can cause severe damage to the plant. To manage the disease, remove the infected parts of the plant and dispose of them away from the garden. Use of fungicides can suppress the fungus, but it cannot cure the infected plant.
Powdery mildew: Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that affects many ornamental plants, including Deutzia scabra Thunb. var. candidissima. The disease causes a white, powdery growth on leaves, stems, and flowers. The growth can cover the entire plant if left untreated. To manage powdery mildew, maintain good air circulation around the plant, and avoid overhead watering. Fungicides can also control powdery mildew infections.
Pests:
Spider mites: Spider mites are tiny pests that can cause severe damage to Deutzia scabra Thunb. var. candidissima plants. The pests feed on the plant sap, causing leaves to turn yellow and fall off. Use of insecticidal soap, neem oil, or horticultural oil can manage spider mites. Regular spray applications can control the pests and prevent re-infestation.
Scale insects: Scale insects are small pests that attach themselves to the plant's stems and leaves, sucking the sap from the plant. An infestation of scale insects can cause the plant to wilt and die. To manage scale insects, use horticultural oil or insecticidal soap. Pruning and removing the affected parts of the plant can also reduce the pest's population.
Regular inspection of the Deutzia scabra Thunb. var. candidissima plants can help detect any disease or pest infestation early, allowing prompt management to prevent the problems from getting worse. Good cultural practices, such as proper watering and adequate fertilization, can also help keep the plant healthy and less susceptible to diseases and pests.
