Deutzia x hybrida 'Mont Rose'

Deutzia x hybrida 'Mont Rose', also known as hybrid deutzia, is a deciduous shrub from the Hydrangeaceae family, valued for its abundant blooms. The flowers have a star shape, in a charming pale pink. Resulting from the cross between Deutzia discolor and Deutzia longifolia, made by Lemoine in France around 1925, this cultivar received the Award of Garden Merit (AGM) from the Royal Horticultural Society for its ornamental qualities and ease of cultivation. It is ideal for hedges, borders, flower beds, or as a solitary plant in small gardens.

Appearance of leaves and flowers

• Leaves: The leaves are ovate or lanceolate, 6-10 cm long, with finely toothed edges, dark green with pronounced veins. The foliage is deciduous, falling in autumn, and provides a contrasting background for the flowers.
• Flowers: The flowers are large, 2.5-3 cm, star-shaped, grouped in conical clusters, pale pink, sometimes with mauve or dark purple shades in the buds, which gradually open to white at maturity. The flower center has pink-yellow stamens, adding a decorative detail. The abundant blooming occurs in May-June, is lightly scented, and attracts pollinators.

Growth characteristics

• Height and width: Reaches 1.2-1.5 m in height and 1.2-2 m in width, forming a rounded shrub with thin, slightly arching branches.
• Vigor: Rapid, vigorous growth, developing well in fertile soils. It is compact, suitable for small gardens.
• Type: Deciduous shrub, with leaves falling in winter.

Growing conditions

• Exposure: Prefers full sun for maximum flowering but tolerates partial shade. In dense shade, flowering is reduced.
• Soil: Grows in fertile, moist, well-drained soils, with neutral to alkaline pH (6.5-7.5). Tolerates calcareous and poor soils but prefers humus-rich soils.
• Watering: Water regularly in the first year, especially in summer, to establish roots. Once established, it is resistant to moderate drought.
• Temperature: Hardy in zones 5-8 (down to -15°C), suitable for temperate climates, including Romania. Protect flower buds from cold north or east winds in early springs.

Care and resistance

• Resistance: Very resistant to pests and diseases, with easy cultivation. Tolerates wind and less fertile soils. No known toxicity for humans or animals.
• Fertilization: Apply a balanced fertilizer (e.g., 10-10-10) in spring if the soil is poor. Avoid excessive fertilization.
• Pruning: Prune immediately after flowering (June-July), reducing flowering branches by half and removing 1/3 of old branches (with darker bark) for rejuvenation. This stimulates flowering the following year.
• Propagation: Propagated by semi-hardwood cuttings in summer (keeping upper leaves) or hardwood cuttings in November. Can also be multiplied by branches rooted at the base of the bush.

Deutzia x hybrida 'Mont Rose' is ideal for informal hedges, mixed borders, flower beds, or as a solitary plant. Its pale pink flowers combine well with climbing roses, clematis, or other shrubs like escallonia. It is suitable for cottage gardens, classic landscapes, or urban spaces due to its resistance and elegant appearance. It attracts bees and butterflies, contributing to biodiversity.

Origin

Created in 1925 by Lemoine in France, Deutzia 'Mont Rose' is a hybrid between Deutzia discolor and Deutzia longifolia, initially released under the name 'Montrose' by the Le Vandusen Botanical Garden Association in 1966. It is widely cultivated in Europe for its large flowers and ornamental qualities.

Height with pot included approx. 40-60 cm

Pot diameter: 15 cm