Exochorda macrantha
Try as I might not to have favourites, when it comes to springtime shrubs, there’s no competition. Exochorda macrantha, the pearl bush, wins hands down. On the way up the steps from the front terrace to the side of the co age, the usual access to the kitchen and beyond, our exochorda has reigned supreme for years. It’s closer to the path than once it was; the shrub we see now in all its handsome glory is a self-made layer from the original, where one big branch descended to the ground and made root while the old crown slowly died. It can give full sway to its arching habit since it grows in a raised bed that runs from the front steps along to the far corner, with more steps in between. Therefore, its branches can cascade over the stone supporting wall to the paving below. When in full flower it makes a fountain of pure white, the green leaves almost invisible and definitely upstaged by the exquisite flowers. Each one opens from a spherical bud into a perfect chalice.
There is seldom any need to prune our exochorda, occasionally we may take out an odd spindly twig or a broken branch where I’ve carelessly brushed past when a ending to other plants in the bed beyond. It’s difficult to believe that in its youth it accompanied me to an RHS Vincent Square Show (these were sort of mini Chelsea Flower Shows held throughout the year in the RHS Horticultural Halls in London). We dug up our exochorda and (carefully) bundled it into the back of the van, using it as the centrepiece of our exhibit. It came through with flying colours!