Exochorda giraldii
Common Name(s):
- Phonetic Spelling
- ek-so-kor'duh.gir-al-dee-eye
- Description
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Exochorda is a genus of deciduous shrubs from China and Korea commonly known as Pearlbush. Pearlbush is grown 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.
Exochorda giraldii is a deciduous tree with shrub-like form and is the alternative scientific name for Exochorda racemose. (Kew Garden identifies it as a subspecies of Exochorda racemose.) It is easy to grow in most well-drained soils, requires medium moisture and full sun to light shade. Once mature, it tolerates heat and drought. Flowers bloom on last year's growth, so prune lightly after flowering.
This plant is listed as invasive in some states, but not currently in North Carolina.
- See this plant in the following landscape:
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Attributes:
- Genus:
- Exochorda
- Species:
- giraldii
- Family:
- Rosaceae
- Life Cycle:
- Woody
- Country Or Region Of Origin:
- Central Asia and Southeastern China
- Dimensions:
- Height: 10 ft. 0 in. - 15 ft. 0 in.
- Width: 10 ft. 0 in. - 15 ft. 0 in.
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Whole Plant Traits:
- Plant Type:
- Shrub
- Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
- Deciduous
- Habit/Form:
- Erect
- Maintenance:
- Low
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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:
- Clay
- High Organic Matter
- Soil pH:
- Acid (<6.0)
- Soil Drainage:
- Good Drainage
- Occasionally Wet
- USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
- 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b
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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:
- Two inch white flowers in late spring.
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Leaves:
- Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
- Deciduous
- Leaf Color:
- Gold/Yellow
- Green
- Pink
- Leaf Type:
- Simple
- Leaf Arrangement:
- Alternate
- Leaf Shape:
- Elliptical
- Oblong
- Hairs Present:
- No
- Leaf Length:
- 1-3 inches
- Leaf Description:
- Pale green leaves; red petiole; young shoots are pinkish
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Stem:
- Stem Color:
- Brown/Copper
- Green
- Stem Is Aromatic:
- No
- Stem Surface:
- Smooth (glabrous)
- Stem Description:
- Branches are green when the plant is young, later turning brown.
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Landscape:
- Landscape Theme:
- Asian Garden
- Design Feature:
- Hedge
- Resistance To Challenges:
- Drought
