Exochorda racemosa Magical Springtime

Exochorda Magical Springtime® ('Kolmaspri') is a fantastic new variety. It forms a large bush with a curiously upright habit that doesn't need pruning to flower. In spring, its branches are covered with white, round pearl-like buds that open into pure white flowers. This deciduous bush requires no maintenance and maintains an impeccable appearance. Stunning in a flowering hedge, as a standalone plant, or in a large container on a terrace. Its stems can also be cut and the buds will open in the house from the end of winter.

Exochorda Magical Springtime® 'Kolmaspri' is a deciduous bush from the Rosaceae family, recently introduced to the market. It is derived, among others, from the Exochorda racemosa species, native to Manchuria and Korea. The species is easy to grow, very hardy, and modest, but sometimes a little disappointing when not pruned to encourage generous flowering in spring. This flaw is corrected in Magical Springtime® as it blooms on both one-year-old branches and new shoots. This cultivar is also distinguished by its upright, slightly spreading habit, rather than the drooping habit of the species. It will reach approximately 1.2 m (3.9 ft) in height with a spread of 80 cm (31.5 in), sometimes a little more depending on growing conditions. This superb bush grows with beautiful reddish branches, bearing elongated and lanceolate, tender green foliage. In May and June, it produces a multitude of white flowers measuring 3.5 cm to 4 cm (1.4 in to 1.6 in) along its branches.

This bush, commonly known as the pearlbush, is well-suited for use in a free-standing hedge, as a standalone plant, or in flower beds. It can also be used in a pot (at least 50 cm (19.7 in) in diameter). It can be paired with flowering currants, Japanese quinces, Chinese almond trees, or rhododendrons. In a different combination, it also pairs well with buddleias or hibiscus, which will take over its flowering in the middle of summer. As a standalone plant, its base can be adorned with perennials and bulbs that flower at the same time, such as ipheions or chionodoxas. It can also be placed in front of a dark foliage hedge, such as conifers, boxwoods, Eleagnus ebbingei, or yew, which will enhance its snowy flowering.