Exochorda racemosa (04/04/2015, Kyoto Botanic Gardens, Kyoto, Japan)
Position: Full sun to partial shade
Flowering period: Spring
Soil: Moist, well drained
Eventual Height: 3m
Eventual Spread: 2.5m
Hardiness: 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b
Family: Rosaceae
Exochorda racemosa is a deciduous shrub with a vase/ upright habit. Its mid green leaves are elliptic with entire margins, up to 6.5cm long and 3.5cm broad. Its lightly fragrant white flowers are up to 3.5cm across and borne in racemes. Its fruit are capsules and up to 8mm across.
Exochorda racemosa Flower (04/04/2015, Kyoto Botanic Gardens, Kyoto, Japan)
Exochorda racemosa, commonly known as Pearbush or Common Pearlbush, is native to north east China. In its native habitat it grows on shady slopes.
The etymological root of the binomial name Exochorda is derived from the Latin meaning ‘outside chord’, in reference to its flower structure. Racemosa is derived from the Latin meaning ‘flowers in racemes’.
The landscape architect may find Exochorda racemosa useful as an attractive spring flowering specimen shrub of hedging species suitable for a shady location. Once established this shrub is drought tollerant.
Exochorda racemosa Leaf (04/04/2015, Kyoto Botanic Gardens, Kyoto, Japan)
Ecologically, Exochorda racemosa flowers are attractive to pollinating insects.
Exochorda racemosa prefers moist, humus rich, well-drained soils. It tolerates most pH of soil although it prefers an acidic pH.
Exochorda racemosa requires little maintenance. Necessary pruning should be carried out after flowering.