Philadelphus

Mainly tall, sometimes arching, shrubs with richly-scented flowers in early summer Although usually pure white and cup-shaped, some flowers have a maroon central blotch or are double-flowered Plants have only one main spell of flowering, in early summer They are deciduous, shedding their leaves in winter If you have a smaller plot, there are several low arching cultivars, ideal to spill over the front of a border

Philadelphus are tolerant of most soils in full sun or light shade. However, yellow-leaved Philadelphus coronarius ‘Aureus’ may need a little protection from strong sun.

Philadelphus dislike very heavy, permanently wet soils. By avoiding poor, dry soils or deep shade, plants will be more vigorous and floriferous.

You can clip over Philadelphus coronarius ‘Aureus’ immediately after the flowers have faded to encourage a fresh crop of bright golden-yellow leaves – older leaves turn to green in summer.