Pearlbush 'Niagara'
Exochorda racemosa 'Niagara' is a spectacular deciduous shrub that earns its common name from the round, pearl-like white flower buds that appear in late spring. When these buds open, they completely smother the arching branches in pure white, five-petalled flowers, creating a 'waterfall' effect. This 'Niagara' cultivar is more compact and floriferous than the species, making it an excellent choice for smaller UK gardens or even large containers. It has a tidy, mounded habit and soft green foliage that provides a pleasant backdrop once the flowers have faded. Rated H6 for hardiness, it is well-suited to the British climate and is generally pest and disease-free. It performs best in a sunny position to encourage heavy blooming and prefers neutral to acidic soil. Pruning should be done immediately after flowering to maintain its shape and encourage new growth for next year's blossom. It is an elegant addition to any cottage or contemporary garden.
Sun: Full sun.
Soil: Moist but well-drained, preferably acidic soil.
Hardiness: H6 — down to −20°C.
Flowering: Apr, May.