EXOCHORDA

From China. Loose, spikelike clusters of 1- to 2 inches-wide white owers open from a profusion of buds resembling pearls. Flowering spans several weeks in early spring, at about the same time the roundish, 1- to 2 inches-long leaves expand.

These shrubs are showy during spring but undistinguished at other times of year, so choose your site accordingly. Prefer well-drained, acid soil but will grow in neutral or alkaline soil; will take considerable neglect. Pest free. Not browsed by deer. Flowers are formed on previous year's growth, so prune after bloom.

common pearl bush

exochorda giraldii

• Resembles the widely grown species Exochorda racemosa but is somewhat smaller, with slightly smaller owers and red tints in leaf veins and ower stalks.

exochorda x macrantha

• Hybrid between Exochorda racemosa and another species.
• The only selection available, 'The Bride', is a compact shrub to about 4 feet tall and wide.
• Very showy bloom.
• Blizard and 'Niagara' (Snow Day Surprise) have larger flowers.

exochorda racemosa

• Loose, open, slender; grows to 1015 feet tall and wide, possibly larger.
• In small gardens, remove lower branches to make small, upright, airy, multistemmed tree.
• Often found in older gardens in the Middle and Lower South.
• Reseeds readily, and seedlings are often shared.