Introducing...
Philadelphus
Common name: Mock orange
In early summer, this shrub offers a bountiful backdrop to roses and pretty herbaceous plantings with its foaming white flowers and heavy scent
Looks
- 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
Likes
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.
Dislikes
Philadelphus dislike very heavy, permanently wet soils. By avoiding poor, dry soils or deep shade, plants will be more vigorous and floriferous.
Did you know?
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.
Growing guide
How to grow philadelphus
All the information you’ll need to grow and care for philadelphus in your garden
Philadelphus we recommend
Philadelphus 'Beauclerk'
mock orange 'Beauclerk'
- 1.5–2.5 metres
- 1.5–2.5 metres
Philadelphus 'Innocence' (v)
mock orange 'Innocence'
- 1.5–2.5 metres
- 1.5–2.5 metres
Philadelphus coronarius 'Variegatus' (v)
variegated mock orange
- 1.5–2.5 metres
- 1.5–2.5 metres
Philadelphus 'Beauclerk'
mock orange 'Beauclerk'
- 1.5–2.5 metres
- 1.5–2.5 metres
Philadelphus 'Innocence' (v)
mock orange 'Innocence'
- 1.5–2.5 metres
- 1.5–2.5 metres
Philadelphus coronarius 'Variegatus' (v)
variegated mock orange
- 1.5–2.5 metres
- 1.5–2.5 metres
Useful advice
Buying: trees and shrubs
Choosing plants for dry shade
Planting combinations for early summer
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.