Peking Pearl Flower

exochorda racemosa

Also known as: ["Pearlbush","Peking Pearl Bush"]

Family: Rosaceae Genus: Exochorda Category: Shrubs

Overview

A deciduous shrub with arching branches and clusters of white, pearl-like flowers in spring.

Benefits & Perks

["long-flowering","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","aesthetic foliage"]

Botanical Classification

Phylum: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Rosales
Family: Rosaceae
Genus: Exochorda
Botanical Name: Exochorda racemosa

Plant Characteristics

Basic Information
  • Category: Shrubs
  • Suitable Location: outdoor garden bed in a sheltered spot
  • Suitable For:
    Beginners Outdoor Landscapers Wildlife Supporters
  • Is Weed: No
  • Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
  • Climate: {"temperatureRange":"–15–35°C"}
  • Hardiness: {"zones":"5–8"}
  • Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
  • Drainage: Moderate to fast-draining; avoid waterlogged conditions.
  • Soil Type: Well-draining loamy soil with organic matter; tolerates average garden soil.
Maintenance Level
  • Maintenance Level: moderate
  • Toughness Level: moderate
  • Pruning Frequency: Annually, after flowering in late spring.
  • Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of old growth if needed.
Care Details

Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun to partial shade; 6–8 hours of direct sunlight per day, with some afternoon shade in hot climates.

Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate new plants gradually to direct sun; protect from harsh afternoon sun to prevent scorching; adjust placement based on seasonal light intensity.

Warning Signs: Yellowing leaves (overwatering or poor drainage); stunted growth (nutrient deficiency or compacted soil).

Care Requirements

Care Difficulty
easy

moderate

Sunlight

full sun to partial shade

Morning sun is ideal; provide shade during peak heat; rotate plant for even growth.

Watering

every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter

Water thoroughly but infrequently; ensure good drainage; avoid wetting foliage.

Soil

well-drained, loamy soil with moderate organic matter

pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).

Ensure good drainage; amend with organic matter; avoid compacted soil.

Temperature

Hardy in USDA zones 4–8; tolerates cold winters; prefers temperatures between 60–75°F (15–24°C) during active growth.

Protect from frost; water less in winter; ensure good air circulation in heat.

Fertilizing

every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer

Fertilize once in spring; avoid over-fertilizing; water before and after feeding.

Propagation

Methods

Softwood cuttings in early summer; layering can also be successful.

Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
  1. Take 4–6 inch cuttings.
  2. Remove lower leaves.
  3. Dip in hormone.
  4. Plant in medium.
  5. Keep moist and warm.

Best Time: Early summer when new growth is firm but not woody.

Environment

Warm, humid environment with indirect light; maintain consistent moisture.

Medium

Peat-based mix with perlite or sand for good drainage.

Hormone

Rooting hormone is recommended for faster and more reliable rooting.

Timeline

Roots typically form in 4–8 weeks; establish in new pot after 3–6 months.

Tools Needed

Pruners, rooting hormone, small pots, misting spray bottle.

Quick Tips

Use healthy, non-flowering stems; keep cuttings out of direct sun; maintain humidity with a plastic cover.

Pruning & Repotting

Pruning Guide
Method

Selective thinning and heading back to promote bushiness and airflow.

Pruning Plan

Prune to maintain shape, encourage flowering, and remove dead/diseased wood.

Tools

Sharp bypass pruners, loppers for larger branches, pruning saw for thick stems.

Checklist

Clean tools; prune after flowering; remove dead/diseased wood; shape as desired.

Repotting Guide
Best Season

Early spring before new growth begins.

Pot Size

Move to a pot one size larger (2–3 inches wider in diameter).

Method

Remove plant gently; trim roots if crowded; use fresh soil mix; ensure good drainage.

Suggestions

Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the container; beneficial for container-grown plants.

Checklist

Choose new pot; prepare fresh soil; inspect roots; water after repotting.

Advanced Care Tips

Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist

Check soil moisture; water deeply; ensure drainage; avoid wetting leaves.

How to Apply Water Properly

Water at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone; allow excess water to drain away; water early in the morning to minimize evaporation.

Pro Tip: Use a soaker hose to deliver water directly to the roots, reducing waste and fungal risk.
Watering Schedule Tips

Water deeply once the top inch of soil is dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.

Soil Improvement

Add compost or well-rotted manure; incorporate perlite or sand for drainage; mulch to retain moisture.

Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues

Leaf scorch in excessive heat; leaf drop or dieback in prolonged cold; stunted growth in temperature extremes.

Cold Stress

Leaves may turn yellow or brown; growth slows or halts; potential dieback of tender stems in severe cold.

Solution: Mulch heavily around the base; protect with burlap in extreme cold; avoid overwatering in winter.

Hot Stress

Wilting despite moist soil; leaf scorch or yellowing; reduced flowering.

Solution: Provide afternoon shade; increase watering frequency; use mulch to retain soil moisture.

Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist

Choose balanced fertilizer; apply in spring; water before/after; avoid late-season feeding.

Fertilizing Method

Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring; avoid high-nitrogen formulas; reduce or stop feeding in late summer/autumn.

Common Problems & Solutions

Yellowing leaves in Exochorda racemosa may indicate nutrient deficiencies, overwatering, or pest infestations, affecting photosynthesis and overall plant health.

Wilting in Exochorda racemosa can result from water stress, either due to drought or overwatering, leading to reduced turgor pressure and impaired nutrient uptake.

Leaf spots on Exochorda racemosa may be caused by fungal or bacterial pathogens, leading to reduced photosynthetic efficiency and potential defoliation.

Rotting, particularly root or stem rot, can occur in Exochorda racemosa due to excessive moisture or fungal infections, leading to decay and potential plant death.

Toxicity Warning

Cats
Non-toxic

Exochorda racemosa is not considered toxic to cats. There are no known adverse effects from ingestion or contact.

🌿 Toxic Parts:
all parts
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

No specific safety precautions are required for cat owners growing this plant.
Dogs
Non-toxic

Exochorda racemosa is not considered toxic to dogs. There are no known adverse effects from ingestion or contact.

🌿 Toxic Parts:
all parts
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

No specific safety precautions are required for dog owners growing this plant.
Humans
Non-toxic

Exochorda racemosa is generally considered non-toxic to humans. There are no significant toxic effects or physiological impacts reported from ingestion or contact.

🌿 Toxic Parts:
all parts
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

No specific safety precautions are required for handling or growing this plant.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When does Exochorda racemosa bloom?

A: It blooms in spring, typically April to May, with clusters of white flowers.

Q: How tall does Exochorda racemosa grow?

A: It can grow up to 6–10 feet tall and wide, depending on conditions.

Q: Is Exochorda racemosa deer resistant?

A: It is moderately deer resistant, though deer may occasionally browse on it.

Quick Reference
Family: Rosaceae
Care: easy
Light: full sun to partial shade
Water: every 7–10 days during activ
Suitable For: ["beginners","outdoor landscapers","wildlife supporters (attracts bees, butterflies, birds)"]
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