Duncan

Deutzia

Variety Description

Variety used for comparison: 'Compacta'

Summary: 'Duncan' is smaller in size with narrower leaves, a smaller diameter inflorescence cluster and narrower petals compared to 'Compacta'. The stems of the current years growth of 'Duncan' are grey brown/tan with mostly absent anthocyanin colouration while they are red brown with weak to moderate anthocyanin for 'Compacta'. Leaf blade pubescence for 'Duncan' is absent on the upper side and absent to sparse on the lower side while it is moderate on both the upper and lower sides for 'Compacta'. The upper side of the leaf blade is yellow green for 'Duncan' whereas it is medium green for 'Compacta'. 'Duncan' has elliptic shaped petals whereas those of 'Compacta' are broad ovate to round.

Description:

'Duncan' is a Deutzia shrub variety with compact growth habit. It has a moderate degree of branching and the density of the foliage is medium dense to dense. The stems of the current years growth are thin, grey brown/tan and smooth. Anthocyanin colouration of these stems is mostly absent to very weak. The leaves are simple type and positioned in an opposite arrangement on the stem. The leaf blade is lanceolate in shape with an acuminate apex, cuneate base and serrate margin. Glossiness of the upper side of the leaf blade is weak. Pubescence of the leaf blade is absent to very sparse on the upper side and absent to sparse on the lower side. The upper side of the leaf blade is light yellow green for newly opened leaves darkening to light green when the leaves mature. There is no variegation of the leaf blade. A petiole is present.

'Duncan' produces small clusters of flowers at both terminal and axillary positions on the stem. The flower bud is elliptic in shape and the flowers are rotate or star-shaped with 5-6 petals fused at their base. The flowers have a very weak fragrance. The petals are elliptic in shape with an acute apex and entire margin. The apex has irregular dentation. The petals are white on both the upper and lower sides and the pollen is yellow orange.

Origin & Breeding History: 'Duncan' was discovered in July of 2002 as a naturally occurring branch mutation of a Deutzia gracilis shrub being cultivated at Spring Meadow Nursery, Inc. in Grand Haven, Michigan, USA. It was selected for its bright yellow green foliage and was first propagated by softwood cuttings in July of 2002.

Tests & Trials: The test and trial for 'Duncan' was conducted in an outdoor container trial at BioFlora Inc. in St. Thomas, Ontario during the summers of 2004-2005. The trial included 15 shrubs of each variety. All plants were grown from 2 1/4 inch liners, planted into 2 gallon containers in May of 2004 and transplanted into 3 gallon containers on July 2, 2004. The containers were arranged in rows with approximately 1 m spacing between plants. All colour characteristics were determined using the 2001 Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) colour chart and measured characteristics were based on ten measurements.

Comparison tables for 'Duncan' with reference variety 'Compacta'

Shrub height (cm)

Shrub width (cm)

Leaf width (cm)

Diameter of inflorescence (cm)

Colour of the leaf blade (RHS)

Petal width (mm)

Click on image for larger view

Deutzia: 'Duncan' (left) with reference variety 'Compacta' (right)