Exochorda macrantha The Bride

Exochorda x macrantha 'The Bride' is perhaps the most well-known representative of this genus of deciduous shrubs native to Asia, and undoubtedly the most planted in gardens. It owes its notoriety to its extremely graceful flowering dome appearance in spring, complemented by a beautiful weeping habit and abundant, dazzling white spring flowering. Hardy and unassuming, with no other requirements than a slightly acidic soil, it is a choice subject if you have a bit of space. It has a wide spread, often reaching 3 m (9.8 ft) wide, allowing this very beautiful Pearl Tree to express its entire ornamental value.

Exochorda 'The Bride' is a fairly old horticultural creation resulting from Exochorda x macrantha, itself the fruit of cross-breeding between Exochorda racemosa (native to eastern China) and E. korolkowii (native to Turkestan). All these shrubs belong to the Rosaceae family. 'The Bride', like its first parent Exochorda racemosa, prefers slightly acidic, well-drained soils.

'The Bride' is a relatively slow-growing, compact shrub with arching branches, wider than it is tall, reaching about 2 m (6 .6 ft) in height and 3 m (9.8 ft) in spread. During April and May, its young branches are covered with a string of perfectly round flower buds, pearly white in colour, which earned it the nickname "Pearl Tree." These buds, arranged in clusters of 6 to 10 units, open into mostly semi-double flowers, 2 cm to 3 cm (0.8 in to 1.2 in) in diameter, white in colour with a pale-yellow centre. They are so numerous that they almost entirely cover the foliage. Its leaves are deciduous, appearing in spring and falling in autumn. They are light to medium green in colour, measuring 4 cm to 6 cm (1.6 in to 2.4 in) in length, and are ovate in shape, elongated and pointed at the tip. The foliage turns golden yellow in autumn before falling. This extremely hardy shrub can withstand temperatures as low as -28° C (-18.4° F).

This shrub is splendid during one month in spring, and falls into relative anonymity for the rest of the year. Its spreading growth requires ample space in a large garden. It is best planted in the front of a mixed border or free-standing hedge, consisting of larger deciduous or evergreen shrubs with staggered flowering or decorative foliage. Consider, for example, ornamental apple and cherry trees, hydrangeas, botanical roses, Parrotia, Cotinus, Forsythia, Japanese quince, anemone tree, Japanese maples, and many others. You can also plant perennials and bulbs at its base that flower at the same time, such as ipheions or chionodoxas. 'The Bride' perfectly describes the appearance of this shrub in spring, resembling a white crinoline.