April
Exochorda racemosa 'Niagara'
Exochorda racemosa
This plant is a very impressive sight in spring just like Niagara Falls, it becomes a spectacular waterfall of pure white flowers resembling unique pearls. The Niagra is a compact variety reaching 90-120cm in height and similar spread. It likes semi shade or full sun. Prune this plant after flowering to encourage new growth and ensure a full bodied, healthy long lasting plant.
Plant Characteristics:
Native to China, 'Niagara' is a loose, upright, early-blooming, deciduous shrub with a broad rounded shape. It typically matures to 90-120cm tall and as wide. The flower buds resemble white pearls, hence the common name. Flowers bloom in spring in 6-10 flowered racemes, each flower (to 1.5" diameter) being 5-petaled, cup-shaped and white. Flowers give way to brown dehiscent seed capsules. Narrow, elliptic to oblong, medium green leaves (to 3" long). No fall color. Although floriferous and attractive in early spring, it basically plods though the rest of the growing season as a somewhat nondescript shrub.