EXOCHORDA MAC. THE BRIDE

Description and General Information

• Botanical Name: Exochorda macrantha ‘The Bride’

• Common Name: Pearl Bush ‘The Bride’

• Plant Type: Deciduous flowering shrub

• Origin: Hybrid cultivar, bred for its profuse spring blossom and compact habit.

• Growth Habit: Graceful, arching stems forming a rounded shrub, typically reaching 1.5–2 metres in height and spread.

• Foliage: Fresh green, oval leaves that provide a lush backdrop to the spring flowers.

• Flowers: Stunning, pure white blooms resembling strings of pearls in bud, opening in spring to form a cloud-like display; flowers are held along the length of the stems.

• Seasonal Interest: Spectacular spring flowering, followed by neat summer foliage; autumn brings yellow leaf tones.

• Garden Uses: Excellent as a standalone specimen, in mixed borders, as a backdrop to perennials, or in cottage garden settings.

• Wildlife Benefits: Flowers attract bees and other pollinating insects.

• Hardiness: Fully hardy throughout the UK and Ireland, tolerating frost and variable weather conditions.

Planting Conditions and Ideal Location

• Light Requirements: Thrives in full sun; flowers best with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily.

• Soil Preferences: Prefers fertile, well-drained soil but adapts to most garden soils.

• pH Range: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.5).

• Moisture Needs: Moist but well-drained conditions are ideal; avoid waterlogged sites.

• Planting Time: Best planted in autumn or spring, though container-grown plants can be planted at any time in mild weather.

• Spacing: Allow 1.5–2 metres between plants for natural, graceful growth.

• Shelter Needs: Benefits from a sheltered position to protect delicate spring blossoms from strong winds.

• Companion Planting: Complements spring bulbs, flowering cherries, spireas, lilacs, and herbaceous perennials.

• Container Growing: Can be grown in large containers; use a loam-based compost with added grit for drainage.

Routine Care, Feeding, and Seasonal Maintenance

• Watering:

  • Water regularly during the first growing season to establish roots.

  • Once established, water during prolonged dry spells, particularly in summer.

• Feeding: Apply a balanced slow-release fertiliser in early spring to encourage strong flowering and healthy foliage.

• Pruning:

  • Prune immediately after flowering to shape and remove dead or weak wood; flowering occurs on the previous year’s growth.

  • Avoid heavy pruning, as this may reduce flowering the following spring.

• Mulching: Apply a 5 cm mulch layer of compost or well-rotted manure in spring to conserve moisture and improve soil fertility, keeping mulch clear of the crown.

• Pest and Disease Resistance: Generally trouble-free; occasional aphids may appear but rarely cause serious harm.

• Winter Care: Fully hardy; no winter protection required. In colder regions, a sheltered site prevents frost damage to early buds.

• Weed Control: Keep the area around the base free from weeds to reduce competition for water and nutrients.

• Longevity: A reliable, long-lived shrub that will provide many years of spectacular spring displays with minimal care.

• Size
  80-100

We currently only deliver within the island of Ireland, other countries can be quoted for by contacting [email protected] or via telephone on 06964084
 

Standard Delivery is FREE on orders over €250*

All standard deliveries will be completed within 5-7 working days via Fastway Couriers, any delay to this delivery time, the customer will be notified by One of our staff.

The in-Store delivery charge will vary compared with online, in-store delivery charge is done on a case by case basis. 

* Only mainland Ireland addresses qualify for free delivery.
 

Live Plants Delivery

Our live plants are packed with care and diligence by our staff, our horticulturists review each plant before despatch to ensure quality is maintained.
Live Plant delivery charges are not calculated on weight but on the space required per package to ensure safe delivery, so delivery charges may vary as some plants require more space than others when packed.
All live plants are despatched within 3-5 working days where possible, our couriers aim to deliver within 48 hours of despatch from our Garden Centre to allow the plant to arrive in healthy condition.
 

Click & Collect

Can’t wait for delivery? Why not try our FREE Click & Collect service? Simply make your purchase online and collect it from our store located in Croagh Co. Limerick. Our staff will contact you by phone when your order is ready for collection (Please allow 24 hours minimum). When collecting your item, call the store on 069-64084. We will then load into your car as required. This service is available in-store 9am – 6pm Monday – Saturday (No collections on Sundays)

Click here for more information about our shipping conditions.

You can pay your online order either by credit card or via Paypal.
If you have any further questions about the online order payment please contact us via ­069 640 84 or mail.