Philadelphus

Shrubs
Garden plants

Philadelphus

Shrubs
Garden plants

150cm

Philadelphus 'Belle Etoile' Mock orange

10^75From

250cm

Philadelphus 'Virginal' Mock orange

11^95From

Buy Philadelphus

The genus Philadelphus, commonly referred to as mock-orange, is a group of shrubs celebrated for their delightful fragrance and pristine white flowers. These deciduous shrubs are a staple in temperate gardens, offering an upright to bushy growth habit that can serve as an enchanting focal point or an elegant addition to any border or group planting.

Renowned for their abundant and aromatic blooms, mock-oranges produce a display of white flowers in the late spring and early summer months that can transform any landscape with their beauty and scent. Philadelphus is versatile in its use and can be planted as a solitary specimen or integrated into a mixed shrub border for a more layered garden design.

Key Features

Philadelphus shrubs are not evergreen; they shed their leaves annually, revealing a framework of stems that provide winter interest.
These shrubs flourish in a wide range of soil types, as long as the soil is well-drained.
The preferred locations for planting include sunny spots or areas with partial shade, ensuring optimal growth and flowering.
Philadelphus is characterized by its lush green foliage throughout the growing season, providing a fresh backdrop for other plants.
The genus is known for its low maintenance, requiring only average water needs and minimal pruning to remove old wood and encourage new growth.
Flowering occurs on the previous year's wood, producing stunning white blooms, occasionally accented with purple, which are particularly attractive to pollinators.

Tips

For propagation, softwood cuttings can be taken in spring or early summer, utilizing the flexible young tips of shoots, which root easily. Hardwood cuttings are best taken from autumn to winter, using strong young branches from the current year's growth.
Pruning should be carried out after flowering, which will stimulate the development of new stems to bear the next season's blooms.
Although drought-resistant varieties are not a characteristic of this genus, with average watering needs, it's important to ensure that soil moisture is consistent, especially during the establishment phase and in the warmer months.
Philadelphus shrubs can be susceptible to overcrowding; therefore, space them adequately to allow for air circulation and to prevent competition for nutrients and water.
To maintain a vibrant display of flowers, consider planting Philadelphus alongside other spring-flowering shrubs or perennials, creating a succession of blooms in your garden.

Types

Embrace the allure of the enchanting mock-oranges, renowned for their profusion of fragrant, creamy white blossoms that bring a touch of opulence to any garden setting. These elegant shrubs, with their lush green foliage, serve as an exquisite backdrop, while their intoxicating scent transforms your outdoor space into a fragrant oasis. Perfect for creating a sensory experience or a picturesque hedge, mock-oranges are a timeless addition to your landscape.

The Philadelphus 'Belle Etoile', or mock orange, is a charming addition to any garden with its abundant and fragrant white blossoms. Blooming in the late spring months of May and June, this plant's large, white flowers not only add visual appeal but also emit a delightful fragrance reminiscent of orange blossoms. This deciduous shrub is known for its ease of cultivation and its ability to bring a sense of romance and enchantment to the spaces it graces.
Discover the enchanting allure of the Philadelphus 'Virginal', commonly known as mock orange, with its profusion of pure white blossoms that grace gardens in May and June. The double white flowers are not only a visual delight but also exude an exquisite fragrance, transforming any garden space into a serene and aromatic haven. This deciduous shrub is cherished for its easy care and the romantic ambiance it contributes to the landscape.

Ideal placement of a Philadelphus

For optimal growth and flowering, this shrub thrives best in a location that receives full sun to partial shade. While it can adapt to various soil types, ensuring the soil is well-drained is crucial for its health. An area that meets these conditions will encourage the upright to bushy growth habit and the lush green foliage to flourish, while also setting the stage for the profusion of white, fragrant flowers that appear in late spring to early summer. Adequate space should be provided to accommodate its natural growth form.

Planting a Philadelphus

For successful establishment, plant the Philadelphus in a location that receives full sun to partial shade, accommodating its flexible light requirements. The soil should be well-drained and can be of any type, which allows for versatile planting options. When planting this shrub, ensure that the root ball of the pot-grown specimen is level with the soil surface. Proper spacing between the plants is crucial to provide ample room for the upright to bushy growth habit to flourish. Post-planting, an adequate watering regime is important to encourage root development and to cater to its average water needs, particularly during the establishment period and drier conditions.

Fertilising a Philadelphus

Fertilization is key to promoting vigorous growth and an abundant flowering season in Philadelphus. To ensure this shrub reaches its full potential, it is recommended to apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring as new growth appears. Careful application according to the manufacturer's instructions is important to avoid overfertilization, which can impede the plant's performance.

An additional feeding may be beneficial after the blooming period, typically in late June or July, to support the development of strong stems that will bear the next year's blossoms. Opt for a fertilizer that complements the well-drained soil it thrives in, providing adequate nutrients to sustain its lush green foliage and the striking white flowers that make Philadelphus a garden favorite.

Pruning a Philadelphus

To ensure a profusion of the fragrant white flowers, the deciduous shrub should be pruned right after it finishes blooming, typically in late June or early July. This timing allows the plant to develop the necessary strong stems for next year's blossoms. Cut back approximately one-third of the oldest stems to their base to promote rejuvenation and improve air circulation within the canopy. Regular removal of any dead, damaged, or overcrowded wood will also support healthy growth and enhance the shrub's upright to bushy habit.

Watering a Philadelphus

Philadelphus requires consistent moisture to thrive, particularly when establishing its root system in a new location. This deciduous shrub prefers well-drained soil, meaning that while it does need regular watering, care must be taken to avoid waterlogging. During the growing season, especially in the absence of rainfall, water deeply once a week to maintain even soil moisture. The goal is to encourage deep root growth. Mulching around the base can help retain moisture. In periods of extreme heat or dryness, increase watering frequency to prevent stress, which could compromise its lush foliage and fragrant blooms.

The characteristics of a Philadelphus

An enchanting attribute of Philadelphus is its ability to create a private, serene sanctuary with its dense foliage. When positioned on a patio or flanking a garden bench, the lush growth provides a natural screen, offering an alcove of tranquility. Furthermore, the plant is remarkably resilient, adapting well to a variety of soil conditions, and once established, requires minimal attention, making it an excellent choice for both novice and experienced gardeners seeking low-maintenance yet stunning greenery.

0203 455 22 48

Send an e-mail
[email protected]

Personal advice from
our specialists? We are happy to help you!