Description
Exichorda – Pearl Bush –
There are about 5 species of shrubs, in this genus. They occur in woodland from Central Asia to Northern China and Korea. They are grown for their neat habit and abundant, 5 petalled showy cup or saucer shaped white flowers, borne in terminal racemes in spring or summer, Leaves area alternate, simple, paddle shaped, and smooth or toothed edged. The fruit are capsules, wing like segments, splitting apart when ripe to release flattened seeds. Ideal for a shrub border or as an isolated specimen.
Easily grown in moderately fertile, moist but well drained soil (most will tolerate all but shallow, alkaline soil) in full sun or light, dappled shade. They need climates with sharply defined seasons and dry summers.
E. racemosa – E. grandiflora – Common Pearl Bush – This dense, rounded shrub from Northeastern China grows 10-12′ feet tall and wide. It produces arching branches which carry narrowly obovate leaves, to 3″ long, pale green above, darker beneath. In late spring it bears upright, loose slender spray of 6-10, waxy, pure white flowers, to 1 ½” across, and they are slightly fragrant.
Zones 5-9
