2024 Author: Gavin MacAdam | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 13:38
Exochorda (lat. Exochorda) - a genus of flowering shrubs and low trees of the Pink family. China, Korea and Central Asia are considered to be the birthplace of the exochord. The genus has 7 species (according to other sources, only 5 species). Representatives of the genus are distinguished by increased decorative properties. Currently, the exochord is cultivated in many European countries and in Russia.
Characteristics of culture
Exochorda is a deciduous shrub or tree with whole-edged alternate leaves that do not have stipules. The flowers are large or medium, white, collected in terminal racemose inflorescences. The fruit is a spherical or pear-shaped accrete leaflet. Seeds are winged. In the conditions of the European part of Russia, the exochord blooms in late May - early June, in regions with a warmer climate in late April - early May. Flowering is long, usually 3-3, 5 weeks. Today, several hybrid varieties have been bred, which are characterized by large flowers (more than 6 cm in diameter) and abundant flowering. The culture cannot boast of frost-resistant properties, it freezes in severe winters.
* Exochorda Tien Shan (lat. Exochorda tianschanica) - the species is represented by graceful shrubs. The flowers are white, collected in multi-flowered brushes (15-17 pieces each). The fruits are small (compared to other species). Cultivated in many areas of the European part of Russia. Frost resistance is below average, in severe winters it freezes over strongly, then it takes a long time to recover. The species is drought-resistant and photophilous, soils for growing plants are desirable fresh, permeable, fertile, also accepts calcareous soils.
* Exochorda giraldii (lat. Exochorda giraldii) - the species is represented by open or upward shrubs up to 3 m high. It is widely cultivated in the Crimea and the Caucasus. Also found in the Moscow region. The flowers of the species under consideration are white, with elongated petals. Flowers are collected in elongated racemose inflorescences. Flowering lasts about 25-30 days. The fruits ripen in early October. Plants bloom 5-6 years after planting. The species is drought-resistant and winter-hardy. Prefers well-lit areas with fertile, drained, loose soil.
* Exochord Albert (lat. Exochorda albertii) - the species is represented by a highly branched shrub up to 4 m high. The leaves are rich green, elliptical, up to 6-7 cm long. The flowers are snow-white, collected in multi-flowered apical inflorescences. The fruit is a spherical or ovoid leaflet that sits on a short peduncle. The exochord of Albert is drought-resistant and thermophilic. The species under consideration is undemanding to soil conditions, it develops better on light, drained, moderately moist and deep soils.
* Exochord Korolkov (lat. Exochorda korolkowii) - the species is represented by shrubs up to 3.5-4 m high. Leaves are oval-elongated, with a blunt tip. The flowers are white, up to 4 cm in diameter, collected in racemose inflorescences. Blooms in late May - early June, fruits ripen in October. It starts bearing fruit only 9 years after planting. The exochord of Korolkov is cold-resistant; in severe winters, only the tips of the young growth can freeze.
* Large-flowered exochord (lat. Exochorda x macrantha) is a hybrid obtained by crossing the Korolkov exochord and the cystic exochord. The hybrid is represented by shrubs up to 7 m high. A frost-resistant species, withstands the conditions of central Russia. Blooms profusely, growth is average. Prefers intensely lit areas with fertile light soils. For the winter, it needs a garter, since fragile branches can break off under the weight of the snow.
The subtleties of reproduction and care
Exochord is propagated by seeds, layering and cuttings. All three methods are effective and subject to even a novice gardener. Sowing of seeds is carried out immediately after collection in seedling containers. The emerging seedlings are regularly moistened, freed from weeds and fed with complex mineral fertilizers. After 3-5 years, the plants are transplanted to a permanent place. Planting pits are prepared in advance, a roller is formed at the bottom, a mixture for which is made up of leaf earth and rotted manure with the addition of dolomite flour. Acidic soils are preliminarily limed.
The exochord needs rare watering, annual spring fertilization with mineral and organic fertilizers, weeding and pruning. Pruning is carried out immediately after flowering. In summer, nitrogen fertilization is not recommended. For the winter, the near-trunk zone is mulched with peat or humus, and the bushes are covered with spruce branches.
