Exochorda

Exochorda x macrantha and E racemosa are commonly available, here at least. And they’re shrubbier.

An underappreciated spring blooming shrub. Another that is available around here (MN) is Lotus Moon.

The magical mystery shrub is waiting to take you away. Coming to take you away.

ht/ The Beatles

"And they’re shrubbier."

That's what I would've expected with this one, which is pushing 20'. I wonder how it would do if pruned to single stem tree??

Pennlake, do you grow either 'Northern Pearls' or 'Lotus Moon'? I'm considering using E. and would be interested to hear how it has performed in a garden setting. BTW, I visited several nurseries in the Twin Cities last week and did not see either, but I my focus was on conifers. It's surprising that Gertens does not list either in their 2021 catalog.

I don't have any experience with Northern Pearls, but have been watching some Lotus Moon for several years in various landscapes and it never seems to miss a beat with all the crazy weather we've had the last few years. Lotus Moon will eventually reach about 6-7' tall. I don't know why it isn't more popular. I'd plant one over a forsythia. Perhaps because it tends to finish blooming before the prime retail season up here and customers don't see it in bloom on the shelves.

"Perhaps because it tends to finish blooming before the prime retail season up here and customers don't see it in bloom on the shelves."

Pennlake, you're probably right. It's kind of like trying to sell a stick figure-like Gymnocladus in May while Malus are in full bloom. The bright shiny object grabs the consumers attention.

Ben, that was written in homage to my spouse, who is a Beatleophile. :)