type : Shrubs, Deciduous
sun exposure : Full Sun
water : Regular Water, Moderate Water
planting zones : US (Upper South) / Zone 6, MS (Middle South) / Zone 7, LS (Lower South) / Zone 8
Plant Details
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.