Pearlbush 'Niagara'

'Niagara' is a spectacular, award-winning cultivar of Pearlbush that is more compact and floriferous than the well-known 'The Bride'. This deciduous shrub is aptly named for its spring display: in April and May, it is completely covered in racemes of large, pure white flowers that look like a cascading waterfall of blossom. Before they open, the round, white flower buds resemble pearls, giving the plant its common name. The habit is upright and mounded, reaching about 1.2 metres in height, making it far more manageable for smaller borders. 'Niagara' is fully hardy (H6) and thrives in a sunny or partially shaded position. It prefers fertile, well-drained soil that is slightly acidic to neutral; it may struggle in very thin, chalky soils. Pruning is best done immediately after flowering to ensure plenty of time for new growth to mature and bear buds for the following year. It is a stunning specimen plant for a spring-focused border.

Sun: Full sun to partial shade.

Soil: Fertile, well-drained, preferably acid to neutral soil.

Hardiness: H6 — down to −20°C.

Flowering: Apr, May.