Fragrant white flowers cover the stems of CHARDONNAY PEARLS™ slender deutzia (Deutzia gracilis 'Duncan') in May. The season of interest is extended by the lemon-lime-colored leaves that retain their color throughout the growing season. While it has no fall color to speak of, this 3-foot-tall cultivar is a good choice for a compact selection of Deutzia.

The genus Deutzia consists of medium sized flowering shrubs native to Asia, generally with slender stems and a fine-textured arching habit. The clusters of small flowers that appear in spring or early summer are white on most species, but may be pinkish in a few species and cultivars. Deutzias are best used grouped in informal settings as a hedge or background to a border. These shrubs may benefit from occasional renewal pruning to maintain their dense attractive habit.

In their native Asia, members of the genus Deutzia are usually deciduous in temperate areas, but may be evergreen in more tropical climates. There are estimated to be 60 species, but differentiation among them can be challenging. The Chicago Botanic Garden's collection includes 20 varieties and more than 300 plants.