Exochorda macrantha Lotus Moon

The Exochorda Lotus Moon is a new variety of Exochorda, a deciduous bush that stands out for its rounded habit and small size. This hybrid is also and above all notable for its exceptional spring flowering, which covers up to 90% of the plant in April-May. The plant disappears under a snowy mantle composed of thousands of round buds resembling pearls, which open into small white flowers. It is also a sturdy plant, low-maintenance and requiring very little care. Perfect as a standalone plant, but also in the background of a flowerbed or placed in a large pot on the terrace.

The Exochorda 'Lotus Moon' is a horticultural hybrid introduced in 2014, derived from Exochorda x macrantha, itself the result of cross-breeding between Exochorda racemosa (originating from China) and Exochorda korolkowii (originating from Turkestan). It is a very compact bush, not exceeding 1.50m (4 ft 11 in) in height at maturity and 1m20 in width, which presents a harmoniously rounded habit. During the months of April and May, its young branches are covered in a string of perfectly round, pearly white floral buds, which have earned it the nickname "pearl tree". These buds, assembled in clusters of 6 to 10, open into single flowers with 5 petals, measuring 3-4 cm (1.2-1.6 in) in diameter, white in colour with a pale yellow heart. Its deciduous leaves, light to medium green in colour, measure from 4 to 6 cm (1.6 to 2.4 in) in length and are oval in shape, elongated, and pointed at their tips. The foliage turns a golden yellow colour in autumn. This extremely hardy bush shows moderate growth.

This bush called the pearl tree is well suited for use as a free-standing hedge, as well as in flowerbeds. Low-growing bushes such as Syringa microphylla superba, Abeliophyllum distichum roseum, Chaenomeles speciosa 'Falconnet Charlet', Coronilla glauca citrina, and Ceanothus Skylark can be planted alongside the main plant to enhance the spring flowering season. It can also be used in a pot with a diameter of at least 50 cm (19.7 in). To enhance the beauty of your garden, you can plant perennial plants and bulbs that bloom simultaneously at the base of your shrubs. You can opt for plants like Geranium vivace Rozanne, wall bellflowers, bergenia, early tulips, ipheions, or chionodoxas. Alternatively, you can plant it in front of a dark-foliaged hedge, conifers, or boxwood to make it stand out.