| Common Name | Pearlbush, Pearl Bush |
| Genus | Exochorda |
| Species | Various species e.g. E. racemosa, E. giraldii, E. grandiflora, E. Korolkowii |
| Family | Rosaceae |
| Life Cycle | Hardy Deciduous Shrub |
| Format | 4" Pots |
| Plug Care | Plant young shrubs promptly upon arrival. Plants should be dormant and can withstand cold temperatures - if the plants have broken dormancy and below freezing temperatures are forecasted, protect tender new growth. Keep soil evenly moist but well-drained until established; water regularly while new roots are developing and during periods with no rain. |
| Netting / Staking | Not required; stems are usually strong enough for cutting and have a naturally arching composure. |
| Hardiness | Hardiness can vary between cultivars but typically hardy in USDA Zones 4 to 8 for most of the common cultivars. Can likely grow successfully in zone 8 but prefers temperate climates with cool winters for maximum bud set. |
| Spacing | Space 5 feet apart in cut flower production settings. |
| Soil Preference | Adaptable almost all soil types as long as they don't have wet feet especially in the winter. Prefers average, moist, well-drained soils. |
| Sun Requirement | Full sun - tolerant of part shade (full sun increases quality and quantity of blooms and cut material). |
| Pruning | Because Exochorda typically blooms on old wood, avoid heavy pruning until immediately after flowering. |
| When to Plant | Plant in spring swiftly upon arrival. If the plant is still dormant it can withstand below freezing temperatures. If it has broken dormancy, tender new growth needs protection from frost cloth. |
| Harvesting | Harvest in spring as flower buds start to open but before all petals are fully expanded; cut first thing in the morning while plants are hydrated. Stems with clusters of pearl-like buds open nicely in the vase. |
| Post Harvest Care | A tip to avoid air bubbles in the xylem is to recut stems under water and plunge cut stems immediately into clean, cool water. As will any cut flower be sure to remove any leaves that will sit below the waterline. Use a clean vase/bucket and a floral preservative to reduce bacterial growth. Keep stems cool and change water frequently; Exochorda responds well to cold storage in a cooler. |
| Diseases / Insects | Generally low maintenance with very few pests. |
| Bailey's Notes |
Exochorda ‘Magical Springtime’ Exochorda, also known as pearlbush, might be new for some of you – but for those of you who grow it currently you are likely in love with the graceful arching stems of pearl like buds that open to reveal pristine white star-shaped flowers in early to mid spring. This is another one of those shrubs that has typically been regarded as a landscape shrub that has really earned its place in the cut flower field. Topping out at about 6 feet, ‘Magical Springtime’ (Bred by Kolster) blooms on both new and old wood and is hardy in USDA zones 5-8. The blooms appear delicate but hold well in a vase, are fragrant, and the plants are hardy and disease tolerant – what else could you ask for in a flowering shrub. |
| Resources | NA |