Philadelphus Coronarius Mock Orange

Philadelphus Coronarius, also known as the common mock orange, is a hardy, low-maintenance shrub with fragrant flowers which will make a great addition to any city or country garden. It has received the RHS Award of Garden Merit to recognize its usefulness to UK gardeners. 
Native to southern Europe, Philadelphus Coronarius is a common sight in UK gardens. In spring its ovate leaves are bright yellow, changing to a yellow-green as the season goes on. Its creamy white fragrant flowers, 2.5 cm across with yellow centres, appear in early summer. 
Fully hardy throughout the UK, the common mock orange will grow to its full height of 1.5-2.5 metres and spread of 1-1.5 metres in 5-10 years, and last for decades. For a hedge, plant the shrubs 60 cm apart. Philadelphus Coronarius will benefit from an annual pruning immediately following the flowering period. Cut out all spent flowers to the first strong shoot, and cut out up to 20% of the older stems to the ground to encourage vigorous new growth. 
Philadelphus Coronarius will grow best in full sun or partial shade in any well-drained soil. It will also be happy in a damp, shaded spot. Once established it will tolerate dry soil conditions. It will do well in a sheltered or exposed position. Tolerant to both urban pollution and salt, it is a good choice for both city and coastal plantings. 
Common mock orange is often used as a hedging plant because of its dense structure and quick growth rate, giving a reliable, bushy screen in a few years from planting. It is best as an informal hedge, as it looks best when it retains a natural growth pattern. Philadelphus Coronarius is best planted where the fragrance of the flowers can be enjoyed in season, perhaps along the side of a patio, where it will also create an effective privacy screen in spring, summer, and autumn. In a smaller space a specimen shrub will still perfume the air and provide a season-long splash of colour with its bright green leaves. Planted near a window, its scent can be enjoyed inside as well. 
Common mock orange is also a classic cut flower, especially combined with June roses, bringing its perfume into the house and lasting up to a week. 
Philadelphus Coronarius has long been grown and appreciated by UK gardeners. Its reliable hardiness, bright foliage, and fragrant flowers make it a perfect choice for gardens everywhere!
Read about Philadelphus Mock Orange varieties on our blog post