Pearlbush Rose

Exochorda racemosa is a stunning deciduous shrub famous for its spectacular display of pure white flowers in late spring. The common name, Pearlbush, derives from the spherical white flower buds that resemble a string of pearls before they open. Once open, the flowers are five-petalled and held in upright racemes, almost entirely obscuring the light green foliage. It has a graceful, arching habit that can reach up to 3 or 4 metres if left unpruned. In the UK, it is fully hardy and performs best in full sun, though it will tolerate some shade. It requires moisture-retentive but well-drained soil that is lime-free; in alkaline soils, it can become chlorotic. Pruning should be carried out immediately after flowering to ensure the plant remains neat and to encourage the production of flowering wood for the following year. It makes a beautiful specimen plant for a large border or a woodland garden edge. It is relatively pest-resistant and reliable.

Sun: Full sun to partial shade.

Soil: Acid to neutral, moist but well-drained loam.

Hardiness: H6 — down to −20°C.

Flowering: Apr, May.