What’s in a name?
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A beautiful shrub grows in our gardens down by the old stonewall at Connecticut Country House – and has gone nameless until now. Meet Fuzzy Deutzia (pronounced Doot-zee-uh). She’s quite the survivor.
A few years ago, one of our majestic 200+ years old Maple trees decided one day that she was done living on this earth, and fell over. Fortunately, and thankfully, she didn’t fall on anyone or anything (like our house, barn, or car!) other than our grassy lawn and a mature shrub. My heart broke for that old shrub that blossomed each spring into fabulous thick sprays of white flowers. But there was nothing more we could do than clean up the grand mess, and cut her all the way back to the ground. I had little hope for her survival.
But she did survive. Actually, she came back bigger and heartier than ever! Every spring her long woody boughs are a must in making my big dramatic bouquets for the house. Fuzzy Deutzia is a June bloomer that grows to about 10 feet high (and about that wide!) in our sunny cutting garden right along side the peonies and the roses.
After a little digging, I found out that Fuzzy Deutzia or Pride of Rochester (Deutzia Scabra) is a 100 years old deciduous shrub that originated in Japan and came to America in the 19th century. Named after Johann van der Deutz, an eighteenth century botanist from Amsterdam, this shrub became a favorite in late 19th century to mid 20th century American gardens. She fell out of popularity when evergreens became the go-to shrub to plant.
If you come upon this old-fashioned shrub in your local nursery – take her home. You will love her.
Happy gardening! Love, Nora
She’s a beautiful old girl!
Oh my, Nora,
I thought that I knew my way around the garden, but I’d never heard of Fuzzy Deutzia. What a beauty! Now I’m on a “must have” mission to plant one of my very own. (Hmmmm . . . . I wonder if it can be propagated by layering . . . )
Thanks for sharing!
Love,
Robyn
Actually Robyn, it can be propogated from an existing shrub…..like mine! Next time I see you, we’ll take some cuttings…..Love, Nora
Absolutely beautiful! I definitely want one.
She is gorgeous Nora! I love a good story and I know the fact she survived is very special to you. I have never heard of this plant either
Must see if they can live in the south.
That is gorgeous!
I have seen these shrubs ,they surround the Chappell at Fort Smelling in St Paul MN. I was married there and they were beautiful, the Chapplen there told me it was called bridle Vail I thought it was so appropriate. Enjoy your beautiful plant.
I wish I could see a close-up of the beautiful bloom. I think I have one in my yard.
Blessings
~Nina, Farmhouse Junk
Beautiful!