Exochorda macrantha
Exochorda macrantha · Rosaceae
The gardener's calendar
In autumn, ease off feeding and take the chance to clean up around exochorda macrantha and prepare for winter.
ID card
- Scientific name
- Exochorda macrantha
- Family
- Rosaceae
- Type
- Deciduous shrub
- Adult height
- 2.5 to 3 m
- Flowering
- April to May
- Foliage
- Deciduous, light green
- Hardiness
- Down to -15 °C
- Origin
- China
✓ Taxonomy verifiedSource: AI estimate · hardiness: reliability high.
Expert tips
The key tip
Exochorda flowers only on the previous year's wood: prune it generally after flowering in May, avoid doing it in winter.
The common mistake
Pruning in autumn or winter removes the flower buds and you won't have any flowers the following spring.
The pro's trick
After flowering, remove old or crossing stems to open up the center and prepare the next season's buds.
Care
Exposure
Exochorda thrives in full sun, which ensures generous and abundant flowering. It tolerates light shade, but flower production will be reduced. Place it in an open location, away from strong winds that could damage its young shoots.
Watering
Water regularly during the first year to encourage rooting. Once established, the shrub tolerates moderate dry periods well. In summer, water if the soil dries out on the surface, especially for recently planted specimens.
Soil
Exochorda prefers well-drained soil, slightly acidic to neutral. Enrich the soil at planting with compost or potting soil. Avoid overly chalky or waterlogged soils, which would promote plant decline.
Pruning and maintenance
Perform light pruning after flowering to maintain a balanced shape and encourage branching. Remove dead or diseased wood. Avoid severe pruning, which would reduce flowering the following year.
Fertilizing
An annual application of well-decomposed compost at the base of the shrub is ample. You can also use a balanced fertilizer in spring to support growth. No feeding is necessary once the shrub is well established.
Diseases and pests
Exochorda is generally hardy and rarely susceptible to disease. Ensure good drainage to prevent root rot. Good air circulation limits fungal problems; remove dead or overly dense branches if necessary.
Did you know?
Exochorda macrantha is nicknamed the 'white aucuba' or 'thousand-star shrub' because of its spectacular May flowering, when the entire shrub disappears under thousands of tiny white flowers. This remarkable plant native to China has adapted wonderfully to European gardens since the 19th century.
Where to buy it
Best planted in autumn so the roots settle in before summer, or in early spring once the frost has passed. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, October, November.
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Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.