Holodiscus discolor

In the northwestern USA where this elegant shrub originates, it’s known by the common name ‘ocean spray’ because of the masses of exquisite panicles of tiny white flowers. These are a magnet for bees. This year, in common with many plants of the Rosaceae family, including hawthorn, apple, rose, it is particularly floriferous.

David Douglas introduced H. discolor into cultivation in 1827. Although it is hardy and very attractive, it is rarely seen here.

In the Gardens it grows in the Asia Garden (Area N on the downloadable map), near the handkerchief tree, an area where there has recently been some lovely woodland planting.