garden Pearls
Pearl bush flower buds resemble pearls.
Plentiful flowers cover the stems in spring.
Exochordas have an open habit. Snow Day 'Surprise' (E. 'Niagra') pictured.
Buds open to reveal to ruffled petals.
Snow Day Surprise is a Proven Winners cultivar.
Pearl bush brighten spring gardens.
Grape hyacinths and pearl bush are a pretty pair.
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Common Name: pearl bush
Botanical Name: Exochorda racemosa Form: upright, broad, rounded Family: Rosaceae Genus: Exochorda Species: racemosa Cultivar: 'Snow Day Surprise' Plant Type: deciduous shrub Mature Size: 7 to 13ft tall (2-4m) & wide Growth: fast Origin: China, Central Asia, Southeastern China Hardiness Zone: 4 to 8 Foliage: pale green, oval, paddle-shaped to elliptical, 1-4” (3-9cm) long, margins maybe bluntly serrated or smooth Flowers: pure white pearl-like buds, five petals, cup-shaped up to 1.5” diameter March, April, flower clusters at branch ends, Fruit: 5 fused carpels (coccetum) with flattened seeds, brown dehiscent, star-shaped Stems: arching Exposure: sun to light shade Soil: prefers well-drained, rich acid soil Uses: accent, mixed border, background, foundations, informal hedge Attracts: pollinators Invasive Tendencies: not common Tolerates: heat & drought once established Propagation: softwood cuttings in summer Pruning: flowers on mature stems so prune after flowering to shape Problems: mostly pest free Named for its flower buds that resemble pure white pearls, the pearl bush (Exochorda), is a small genus of shrubs that hail from Central Asia and China. They are easy to grow with no serious pests or diseases. Pearl bushes boast a plethora of dazzling white flowers that sprout from stems in late March and/or April. Their round, full form and simple light green leaves provide the background for mixed borders and foundation plantings (gardens located around the base of the house). Their lustrous snowy white pearl-like buds open to reveal a 1½” flowers with five cup-shaped petals in March & April. Their flower clusters appear on the new growth at the end of mature stems, therefore it’s important to prune them immediately after they finish flowering. Pearl bushes are a pretty addition to gardens where the soil is moist, rich and drains well. Select a location where it gets full sun or light shade to ensure an abundance of their lovely blossoms. With all the many colours in the garden, the pearl bush’s brilliant pure white flowers bring life and brightness in gardens and harmony as ties different gardens and plants together, so the garden is more cohesive. Plant breeders have developed numerous cultivars boasting larger flowers and other significant attributes apart.
Their pale green foliage provides a nice backdrop in the garden.
Exochordas & lilacs flower together.
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