Northwest Blooms · Shrubs
Exochorda x macrantha 'The Bride'
The Bride Pearlbush
- Family
- Rosaceae
- Height
- 4 to 6 feet
- Width
- 4 to 6 feet
- Flower color
- Pure white five petaled flowers with yellow stamens
- Foliage color
- Medium green oval to lance shaped leaves often turning yellow in fall
- Bloom time
- Mid to late spring, often April to May
- Light
- Full sun to partial shade
- Water
- Average moist well drained soil
- Maintenance
- Low; prune immediately after flowering to maintain shape and remove older stems if needed
- Growing zone
- USDA zones 4 to 8
- Wildlife
- Bees and other pollinating insects
About this plant
Exochorda x macrantha 'The Bride' produces abundant white flowers in mid to late spring, each bloom opening with five rounded petals surrounding a cluster of pale yellow stamens. The blossoms appear in graceful sprays along arching branches, creating a soft cascade of white across the plant. Fresh green leaves emerge along the stems with smooth, oval shapes that form a light canopy through the growing season.
This hybrid traces its heritage to Exochorda species native to China and central Asia. In gardens it brings seasonal interest to borders and specimen plantings where the arching branches and spring flowers create an elegant display.
Works well in
Sun Gardens · Specimen Plants · Cottage Gardens · Pollinator Gardens
Companion plants
Hebe · Flowering quince · Crocus · Matilija poppy · Mallow · Sweet William
Design tip
The cascading habit is central to the character of ‘The Bride’, with flowers carried along branches that naturally sweep outward and downward. Give the shrub space to preserve that silhouette, allowing the white spring flowers to create their characteristic fountain-like display.
Where to see it
This plant can be seen at the Rhododendron Species Botanical Garden.
