A Complete Guide to Caring for Yuki Cherry Blossom Shrub

The Yuki Cherry Blossom shrub, also known as Yuki Cherry Blossom Deutzia, is a beautiful landscape plant that bursts into a profusion of pink and white blooms in spring This compact deciduous shrub packs a visual punch with its two-toned cherry blossom-like flowers With proper care, the Yuki Cherry Blossom shrub will provide years of stunning spring floral displays. This guide will cover everything you need to know about successfully growing and caring for this gorgeous flowering shrub.

Overview of Yuki Cherry Blossom Shrub

The Yuki Cherry Blossom shrub (Deutzia x ‘NCDX2’) is a hybrid variety in the Deutzia genus that was bred by plant breeder Dr. Tom Ranney at North Carolina State University. It is a compact, mounding shrub that typically grows 1-2 feet tall and wide. The arching branches are smothered by showy pink and white flowers in spring. The flowers resemble cherry blossoms, hence the common name.

This award-winning shrub won the Plantarium Gold Medal in 2016 and the Perennial Plant Association’s Plant of the Year award in 2017. Both awards recognize its outstanding ornamental qualities and performance in the landscape.

Some of the key features and growing requirements of Yuki Cherry Blossom shrub include:

• Deciduous shrub with pink and white cherry blossom-like blooms in spring
• Grows 1-2 feet tall and wide in a mounded shape
• Arching branches with flowers produced on previous year’s wood
• Green leaves turn attractive burgundy shade in fall
• Blooms on old wood so pruning should be done right after flowering
• Grows best in full sun to partial shade
• Hardy in USDA zones 5-8
• Deer resistant and attracts pollinators
• Tolerates heat, humidity, and periods of drought once established
• Low maintenance and no serious pest or disease issues

Ideal Growing Conditions

Yuki Cherry Blossom shrub thrives when grown in full sun to partial shade exposure Plants grown in full sun tend to bloom more profusely It prefers moist, well-draining soil and has average watering needs. Established plants have some drought tolerance. This shrub grows well in zones 5-8 and is hardy down to -20 degrees Fahrenheit. It can adapt to a range of soil pH levels but does best in slightly acidic soil.

When siting Yuki Cherry Blossom shrub, make sure it will have good airflow and avoid enclosed areas Allow enough room for it to reach its mature size of 1-2 feet tall and wide Space plants 1-2 feet apart if using it in mass plantings or as a flowering hedge. It can be grown as a freestanding specimen shrub, in mixed perennial beds, in foundation plantings, or in containers.

Planting Yuki Cherry Blossom Shrub

Yuki Cherry Blossom shrub can be planted in spring or fall. Spring planting should be done once the threat of hard frost has passed. Fall planting should take place at least 6-8 weeks before the ground freezes to allow the roots to establish before winter dormancy.

Follow these tips when planting your Yuki Cherry Blossom shrub:

• Dig a hole 2-3 times the width of the root ball
• Partially backfill the hole and place the plant so the top of root ball is level with the ground
• Remove any containers, burlap, or wire cages from the root ball
• Finish filling in the hole, firming the soil gently around the plant
• Water thoroughly after planting

If desired, you can amend the soil with compost or organic material when planting. Just make sure the original soil level in the hole remains unchanged.

Ongoing Care and Maintenance

Fortunately, Yuki Cherry Blossom shrub is relatively low maintenance once established. Just a little bit of care will keep your plant looking its best:

Watering: Water regularly after planting and during the first year to help establish an extensive root system. Mature plants have moderate water needs but do appreciate water during prolonged dry spells.

Pruning: Pruning is not required but can be done to shape the plant or maintain a compact habit. Prune right after flowering since buds form on old wood. Remove around 20% of the oldest branches all the way to the ground.

Fertilizing: Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at planting time and once again in early spring each year. Avoid high nitrogen fertilizers.

Mulching: Mulch around the base of the shrub with 2-3 inches of organic material like shredded bark or leaves. This helps conserve soil moisture and insulate roots.

Pest/Diseases: Yuki Cherry Blossom shrub has no serious pest or disease problems. Occasional issues include leaf spots, powdery mildew, scale, and aphids. Remove any diseased material promptly.

Winter Care: No special winter protection is needed in zones 5-8. Just wait until after a hard freeze to cut back spent flowers.

Propagating Yuki Cherry Blossom Shrub

Yuki Cherry Blossom shrub is easy to propagate by taking semi-hardwood cuttings in summer. Cuttings should be 4-6 inches long. Dip the cut end in rooting hormone then stick into a pot filled with moist potting mix. Keep the pot in a warm area with high humidity and indirect light until roots form in several weeks.

Once rooted, pot up the cutting into a larger container using a potting mix formulated for shrubs and trees. Grow on the young plant until the following year when it can be transplanted into the garden after the last frost date.

Common Pests and Diseases

Yuki Cherry Blossom shrub is relatively pest and disease free. Issues are minor and mainly cosmetic. Potential problems include:

• Powdery mildew – Fungal disease showing up as white powdery coating on leaves. Prune out affected parts. Improve airflow around plants.

• Leaf spots – Fungal leaf spots cause brown spots with dark borders. Remove and destroy affected foliage.

• Scale insects – Small sap-sucking insects on stems and leaves. Control with horticultural oil or insecticidal soap sprays.

• Aphids – Small soft-bodied insects that feed on new growth. Knock off with strong water spray or apply insecticidal soap.

• Root rot – Caused by overly wet soil. Improve drainage and do not overwater.

By providing proper growing conditions and promptly removing any diseased material, serious problems are unlikely. Always identify the cause of any disease and correct that to prevent recurrence.

Tips for Maximizing Flowers

To get the most abundant flowering from Yuki Cherry Blossom shrub, follow these tips:

• Plant in full sun whenever possible
• Prune immediately after flowering since buds form on old wood
• Apply fertilizer in early spring to fuel growth and flowering
• Provide consistent moisture, especially during bud formation and flowering
• Allow plants to fill in to maturity so floral display is maximized
• Propagate by taking summer cuttings to renew your plants as they age

With the right care, your Yuki Cherry Blossom shrub will reward you with a long display of gorgeous two-toned cherry blossom blooms each spring. It’s a low maintenance, compact shrub that packs a big floral punch. Add this award winner to your garden and enjoy its stunning blossoms!