'Blizzard' pearlbush is a cultivar of Exochorda racemosa , a deciduous shrub from China, Korea and Central Asia. 'Blizzzard' was once treated as a hybrid of E. serratifolia, E. racemosa and E. korolkowii , but these taxa are now treated as a single species, E. racemosa . In general, pearlbush is grown as an ornamental for its attractive white flowers and good plant form. Flower buds resemble white pearls, hence the common name. Pearlbush is a tough, dependable plant that explodes with pearl-like buds and frilly petals at the first hint of spring, giving forsythia a good run for its money. 'Blizzard' has a distinct upright to mounded form with a mature height and width of 3 to 4 feet. This refined form of a shrub or small tree contrasts this other Pearlbush hybrids, such as 'The Bride', that can resemble a tangled cascade. Also, 'Blizzard' is extremely floriferous with flowers that can be twice as large as other Pearlbushes. 'Blizzard' is easily grown in average, medium moisture, well-drained soils. This shrub prefers acidic, organically rich loams and tolerates drought and heat once established. It flowers on old growth, so wait until after the blooms are gone before pruning. 'Blizzard' blooms in early spring and the flowers are a food source for insects. Diseases, Insects, and Other Plant Problems: There are no known serious insect or disease problems. This plant is listed as invasive in some states, but not currently in North Carolina. More information on Exochorda racemosa .
Curated pairwise relationships between this plant and others in the library — who feeds
whom, who competes, who confuses the pests. Green reads as a good pairing, red as one to avoid.
No curated interactions recorded for this species yet.
Also noted by NC State
Related species the NC State Plant Toolbox flags for this plant — look-alikes to tell
apart, and plants that play a similar role in a planting. Ones we carry in the library are linked.