Philadelphus
- Botanical Name
- Mock Orange: Philadelphus mexicanus. ‘Belle Etoile’ and ‘Virginal’: P. hybrids
- Family
- Hydrangeaceae
- Plant Type
- Evergreen shrub
- Size (HxW)
- 1-3m x 1-2m
- Depth & Spacing
- Plant at the same depth as in the pot with the roots spread evenly below the soil surface. Space 1-2m apart, closer for a more immediate effect.
- Soil
- Moderately fertile to humus rich well drained soil.
- Aspect
- Full sun to semi shade
- Climate
- Cool to Mediterranean
- Frost
- Half hardy, protect while young.
- Water
- Water to establish (this takes around four weeks of regular watering), then keep moist in active growth. Keep just moist in winter.
- Fertiliser
- A liquid fertiliser monthly when in bloom will help to extend the season.
- Flowering Time
- Late spring to Summer
- After Flower Care
- Prune lightly after flowering to tidy – cutting back to a strong leaf bud – one branch in four to ground level is a general guide. Remove unwanted and unhealthy branches after flowering. NB that is after flowering.
Winter pruning is only done if they become leggy and wayward, a hard prune at this time will promote more bushy growth, but you will be sacrificing the flowers for that season.
- Notes
- Use for hedging, as a specimen or in borders. Keep an eye out for Aphids and treat with your choice of insecticide, ideally something natural.
