Philadelphus 'Virginal'

The fragrant, double white flowers, to 5cm, bloom through the summer. The orange blossom perfume spreads through the garden in the most beautiful way, especially on a warm summer's night. This is the best double white variety out there, easy care and tough as old boots.

It is quick to establish, cold hardy and dry tolerant. It is useful in borders or for hedging. In summer (for us Dec/Jan), the deep green foliage is covered with fragrant, pendant blooms that are great for picking with arguably the best perfume of the Philadelphus set.

Philadelphus 'Virginal' is a nice, upright, deciduous shrub with arching branches. In autumn the leaves turn a buttery yellow before falling.

Philadelphus 'Virginal' is an heirloom variety from renowned breeder, Victor Lemoine who is also famed for Peony, Lilac, Phlox, Philadelphus, Gladiolus, Tuberous Begonias, Geraniums and Deutzias. He really was a busy bee. This variety was created in 1909 through crosses of the American P. microphyllus and the European P. coronaries. Many of his plants remain in cultivation around the world a century or more later. Philadelphus perfume is generally at its best in the evening.

Plant Philadelphus 'Virginal' in full sun to semi shade in moderately fertile, to humus rich, well drained soil. Water to establish and then keep moist when in active growth. The flowers open on one year old stems, so they are best pruned in late summer, just after flowering. Suitable for large pots and coastal gardens.

The botanical name, Philadelphus is from the Greek for brotherly love.