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'Blizzard' Pearlbush Exochorda 'Blizzard'

Phonetic Spelling
ek-so-KOR-da bliz-erd
Description

In the name, Exochorda 'Blizzard' PP23,329, Exochorda represents a genus of deciduous shrubs from China and Korea commonly known as Pearlbush. 'Blizzzard' is a hybrid of Pearlbush that combines E. serratifolia, E. racemosa, and E. korolkowii in its pedigree. PP23,329 represents the United States Plant Patent issued for the 'Blizzard' hybrid.

In general, Pearlbush is grown as an ornamental for its attractive white flowers and good plant form. Flower buds resemble white pearls, hence the common name. Pearlbush is a tough, dependable plant that explodes with pearl-like buds and frilly petals at the first hint of spring, giving Forsythia a good run for its money. The hybrid, 'Blizzard', has a distinct upright to mounded form with a mature height and width of 3 to 4 feet. This refined form of a shrub or small tree contrasts this other Pearlbush hybrids, such as 'The Bride', that can resemble a tangled cascade. Also, 'Blizzard' is extremely floriferous with flowers that can be twice as large as other Pearlbushes.

'Blizzard' is easily grown in average, medium moisture, well-drained soils. This shrub prefers acidic, organically rich loams and tolerates drought and heat once established. It flowers on old growth, so wait until after the blooms are gone before pruning. 'Blizzard' blooms in early spring and the flowers are a food source for insects.

Diseases, Insects, and Other Plant Problems:

There are no known serious insect or disease problems. This plant is listed as invasive in some states, but not currently in North Carolina.

See this plant in the following landscape:
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#showy flowers#deciduous#small tree#flowering shrub#nci#pollinator plant#nectar plant spring#butterfly friendly#wildlife friendly
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#showy flowers#deciduous#small tree#flowering shrub#nci#pollinator plant#nectar plant spring#butterfly friendly#wildlife friendly
  • Attributes:
    Genus:
    Exochorda
    Family:
    Rosaceae
    Life Cycle:
    Woody
    Country Or Region Of Origin:
    China and Central Asia
    Wildlife Value:
    Flowers attract butterflies.
    Dimensions:
    Height: 3 ft. 0 in. - 4 ft. 0 in.
    Width: 3 ft. 0 in. - 4 ft. 0 in.
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Perennial
    Shrub
    Tree
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Deciduous
    Habit/Form:
    Clumping
    Erect
    Rounded
    Growth Rate:
    Medium
    Maintenance:
    Low
    Texture:
    Medium
  • Cultural Conditions:
    Light:
    Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
    Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
    Soil Texture:
    High Organic Matter
    Loam (Silt)
    Soil pH:
    Acid (<6.0)
    Soil Drainage:
    Good Drainage
    USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
    4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b
  • Fruit:
    Fruit Color:
    Brown/Copper
    Fruit Type:
    Capsule
    Fruit Description:
    Flowers give way to brown dehiscent seed capsules.
  • Flowers:
    Flower Color:
    White
    Flower Inflorescence:
    Raceme
    Flower Value To Gardener:
    Showy
    Flower Bloom Time:
    Spring
    Flower Shape:
    Cup
    Flower Petals:
    4-5 petals/rays
    Flower Size:
    1-3 inches
    Flower Description:
    Flowers bloom in spring on 6-10 flowered racemes, each flower (to 1½ inch diameter) being 5-petaled, cup-shaped and white.
  • Leaves:
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Deciduous
    Leaf Color:
    Green
    Leaf Type:
    Simple
    Leaf Arrangement:
    Alternate
    Leaf Shape:
    Elliptical
    Oblong
    Hairs Present:
    No
    Leaf Length:
    1-3 inches
    Leaf Description:
    Medium green leaves (to 3 inches long). Fall color is insignificant.
  • Stem:
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
  • Landscape:
    Landscape Theme:
    Asian Garden
    Butterfly Garden
    Design Feature:
    Accent
    Border
    Small groups
    Specimen
    Attracts:
    Butterflies
    Pollinators