Exochorda x macrantha a garden hybrid between E. korolkowii and E. racemosa introduced c. 1900.

At this time of year the leafy growth is covered in racemes of white blossom. The plant is vigorous and often collapses under its own weight resulting in a tangle of twiggy growth. An improved cultivar ‘The Bride’ was raised in Holland in 1938. This is a more compact growing shrub usually reaching 2m x 2m at maturity.

Breeding has continued and ‘The Bride’ has now produced a range of progeny more floriferous and of a habit suited to smaller 21st century gardens.

Remnants of last year’s flowers can be seen in the form of the seed pods. Of distinctive shape with the five divided compartments as seen in the image, star shaped in cross section.

Exochorda x macrantha

Exochorda x macrantha

Exochorda x macrantha – seed pods