Deutzia Dreams

“It’s not a question of whether to buy a deutzia but a question of how many.”

I’m not convinced. It would be different if we were talking about purchasing Morning Glory Farm asparagus, Top Shell Oysters, Island Grown strawberries or any of the local delicacies that are coming into season.

Even if I won’t necessarily be running out to purchase a plethora of deutzia, University of Delaware botanical garden staff gave that advice. Their favored shrub did recently catch my eye and my attention. With a profusion of flowers coming in mid-spring, a time when pollinating insects and birds are needing some nectar, it is hard not to find pleasure and function (if not the need to purchase) in this nonnative species. 

Deutzia is a genus of plants in the hydrangea family that hails from Asia. These shrubs include up to 60 hard-to-identify-and-differentiate unique species with pink, purple or white flowers that bloom extravagantly only once per season, usually in mid to late May. 

Its flowers come at a time when insects and birds such as hummingbirds are looking for some sweet sap, and can serve up a glut of syrupy goodness to these frequent fliers. And the plant is reportedly not desirable to deer — a rare win for gardeners.

Deutzia’s voyage to this country matches that of so many other nonnative plants — privileged explorers, adventurous scientists, wealthy benefactors — all looking for the next big botanical thing.

In the case of deutzia’s coming to Europe and eventually the Americas, it was Carl Peter Thunberg, an 18th-century Swedish physician and naturalist, who is credited with its naming and importing. Of course, the indigenous people of the places he travelled knew much of plants and their uses, but were often vilified and often not credited or respected by those explorers. During his travels, Mr. Thunberg wrote quite unkindly of the Khoikhoi of South Africa who the Dutch called the Hottentotten.

Mr. Thunberg seemed to have more connection and respect for the local people when he travelled to Japan. Sharing medical knowledge such as treatment for syphilis with the Japanese, he learned acupuncture and moxibustion from them. Moxibustion is the practice of burning dried mugwort (a plant that is currently invading the Island) on parts of the human body to treat different conditions.

However, deutzia is not called Mr. Thunberg (though other plants are named in his honor), which raises the question, who was deutzia? Not surprisingly, it was Mr. Thunberg’s patron, Johann van der Deutz, who bankrolled his (and many others’) journeys abroad. Johann was a wealthy lawyer, botanist and scientist who sponsored many expeditions during his short, 41-year life. Interestingly, very little is known about Johann beyond this plant — not even a Wikipedia entry for this affluent patron.

He will live on through his named shrub, especially since there are so many distinct species and varieties. Some of their uses are medicinal, known for antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Otherwise, they provide humans with food — fruit, and leaves can be consumed when nutrition is scarce. Deutzia wood of certain species was known for its employment in mosaics and for wooden nails.

Fortunately, this plant, unlike so many others imported, does not spread or invade. It can be found where it is planted, in gardens, yards and other domesticated environs. No matter its source, and even if I am a bit skeptical of its beginnings, the bees, butterflies and hummingbirds don’t hold that prejudice. They just enjoy this immigrant and appreciate the benefits it brings to the community.

Suzan Bellincampi is director of the Felix Neck Wildlife Sanctuary in Edgartown, and author of Martha’s Vineyard: A Field Guide to Island Nature and The Nature of Martha’s Vineyard.