How to Grow Exochorda
Exochorda × macrantha
Exochorda × macrantha (Pearl Bush) is a stunning deciduous shrub that produces cascading racemes of pure white flowers in late spring. Plant in full sun to light shade in any well-drained soil — it dislikes shallow chalk. Once established it needs very little attention. The key rule is to prune immediately after flowering, since blooms form on the previous year's wood. An arching, graceful habit makes it ideal as a specimen shrub or at the back of a mixed border.
Yearly Lifecycle
Care Essentials
In spring with a balanced fertiliser as new growth begins. Avoid high-nitrogen feeds which promote foliage at the expense of flowers.
Watch For
- Aphids on new growth
- Coral spot on dead wood
- Chlorosis on alkaline soils
Companions
Spiraea, Weigela, Philadelphus, Viburnum
Track your Exochorda care schedule — pruning, feeding, and seasonal tasks
Start planning freeCare Requirements
☀️ Light
Full sun for best flowering; tolerates light shade
Full sun produces the best flowering. Tolerates light dappled shade but fewer flowers will be produced. Avoid deep shade.
💧 Watering
Regular watering while establishing; drought tolerant once mature
Water regularly during the first two years while establishing. Once established, exochorda is reasonably drought tolerant. Water deeply during prolonged dry spells in summer.
🌱 Fertilizing
Balanced feed in early spring; avoid high nitrogen
Apply a balanced general-purpose fertiliser in early spring as buds begin to swell. Avoid high-nitrogen feeds which promote leafy growth at the expense of flowers.
✂️ Pruning
Prune after flowering; remove oldest stems annually
Prune immediately after flowering in late May or June. Cut back flowered shoots to strong new growth. Remove one in five of the oldest stems at the base each year to maintain vigour and an open framework.
🍂 Mulching
Spring mulch with compost; keep clear of stem base
Mulch in spring with garden compost or well-rotted manure to conserve moisture and suppress weeds. Keep mulch away from the stem base to prevent rot.
Growing Tips
Prune after flowering only
Exochorda flowers on the previous year's wood. Pruning before or during flowering removes next year's blooms. Always wait until flowers have faded, then cut back flowered shoots.
Give it space to arch
The natural habit is gracefully arching. Avoid cramming it against a wall or fence where the branches cannot cascade freely. Allow at least 2m spread.
Avoid shallow chalk
While tolerant of most soils, exochorda dislikes thin chalky ground which causes leaf yellowing. On alkaline soils, add ericaceous compost at planting and mulch with acidic material.
Log Exochorda in your garden — track growth, care, and harvests year after year
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