Exochorda serratifolia Snow White

The Exochorda serratifolia, also known as Snow White, is a unique variety of pearl bushes that stands out due to its denser and more compact growth, which makes it perfect for its massive spring flowering that boasts a dazzling white colour. Apart from its ornamental qualities, this bush is highly adaptable and can grow under various conditions. Unlike other popular cultivars like 'The Bride' or 'Niagara', Snow White can thrive in chalky soils and is more tolerant of summer drought. It's a gracefully opulent bush that is easy to grow. However, after its stunning flowering, it becomes more modest, so it's best to pair it with other bushes or plants with staggered flowering. It's highly recommended to reserve some space in your garden for this beautiful plant.

The Snow White Exochorda serratifolia is a member of the Rose family, and its ancestor originates from Korea and Manchuria. The 'Snow White' variety is a bush with a nicely rounded and dense habit, supported by slightly arched branches. It grows at a moderate pace, reaching an average of 2.50 m (8 ft 2 in) in all directions and sometimes a little more in fertile and fresh soils. Its flowering period is brief but intense, from late March (in the south) to late April to early May. The young branches are covered with a string of perfectly round flower buds, pearly white, which has earned it the nickname "pearl tree". These buds are arranged in clusters of 5 to 10 units and open into single flowers with 5 petals measuring 3-4 cm (1.2-1.6 in) in diameter. They are pure white with a pale yellow centre and so numerous that they almost completely cover the vegetation. The leaves of this deciduous bush emerge in spring, are light to medium green in colour and measure 4 to 5 cm (1.6 to 2 in) long. They are oval, elongated, pointed, and serrated at their tips. The leaves turn yellow before falling in winter. This bush is exceptionally hardy (-20°C (-4 °F)) and has no enemies or diseases in our gardens.

The Snow White Exochorda is an excellent choice for free hedges, solitary planting, and flower beds. It can be accompanied by low-growing plants like Syringa microphylla superba, Abeliophyllum distichum roseum, Chaenomeles speciosa 'Falconnet Charlet', Coronilla glauca Citrina, and Lonicera Tatarica Haack's Red to allow for a spread of spring flowering. 

If planted on its own, pair it with perennial plants and bulbs that bloom at the same time, such as Geranium vivace Rozanne, wall bellflowers, bergenia, early tulips, ipheions, or chionodoxas. Alternatively, it can be planted in front of a hedge with dark foliage, conifers, boxwoods, or bay laurels, which will highlight its flowering.