Quick Guide: summer, hardy, sun/semi-shade, height: 2m/6ft6IN, width: 2m/6ft6in

Most of the deutzias in cultivation are hybrids from parents of Asiatic origin. These rewarding shrubs -are easy to grow and bear masses of pale pink, cerise or white star-shaped blooms in mid summer.

GROWING Plant in any type of fertile soil from autumn to spring, in full sun or in dappled shade. Avoid exposed sites. Prune after flowering, cutting back old flowering stems at ground level.

PROPAGATION Take 7.5cm/3in semi-ripe cuttings in late summer and place in a peat/sand mixture in a cold frame. Transfer the rooted cuttings to a nursery bed the following spring, grow on and plant out in the autumn.

SPECIES Deutzia monbeigii, arching stems, sheds bark to reveal orange-brown tints, abundant clusters of white flowers; D. x hybrida, stvong-growing, of upright habit, older stems shed hark. The named variety `'Mont Rose' (above) bears large open flowers of rich rose ageing to white. D. x rosea, near at 90cm/3ft high, pale pink bell-shaped flowers.

POSSIBLE PROBLEMS Severe cold may check vigour.