Philadelphus Mont Blanc Mock Orange

Philadelphus Mont Blanc is a deciduous Mock Orange shrub variety with highly scented pure white flowers in early summer. It’s an old established variety that suits a mixed border and large plant containers.

Philadelphus (or Mock Orange) shrubs are native to North and Central America, Asia and South-East Europe. They are named after an ancient Greek king of Egypt – Ptolemy II Philadelphus. Philadelphus was grown in Ottoman empire gardens during the Middle Ages and are recorded as a purchase of George Washington in 1792. They appeared in UK gardens in the Victorian ages and have remained a firm favourite that’s better known as Mock Orange for their beautiful scented flowers that resemble orange and lemon tree blossoms and their scents. 

Mont Blanc is an upright branching cultivar with mid-green ovate leaves in early spring. Masses of large, white heavily-scented flowers bloom in early summer attracting pollinators and filling the garden with its sweet jasmine-like scent.

This is a knock out shrub for gardeners that appreciate scent, form, colour and wildlife.

Height And Spread of Philadelphus Mont Blanc
Philadelphus Mont Blanc is an upright variety with a rounded habit. It can reach several metres tall and 1-1.5 metres in spread over 5-10 years.

How Hardy Is Philadelphus Mont Blanc
If its roots are well-drained, Philadelphus Mont Blanc is hardy in freezing UK winters. It enjoys full sun and thrives in the majority of soil types.

How To Use Philadelphus Mont Blanc
This a shrub that makes a real splash in late spring to early summer but remains green in the late summer months. It’s best placed at the back of a large mixed country-style border where its late summer greenery provides a bright backdrop to summer flowering shrubs.

In spring its magnificent blooms attract day and night pollinators and the scent is so strong it fills the garden. Plant it near a bench or window to appreciate its knock-out scent and profusion of snow-white flowers.

It’s possible to grow Philadelphus in a container if it’s well watered, fed and weighted to prevent larger specimens toppling over.

How To Care For Philadelphus Mont Blanc
Philadelphus Mont Blanc prefers a sunny spot in moist, well-drained soil. It will tolerate partial shade, but flowers best in sheltered full sun. The majority of soil types are tolerated if they’re kept moist in dry spells.
Pruning is beneficial to Mont Blanc. Prune yours immediately after flowering because it flowers on old wood and needs time to regenerate next year’s growth. Cut out all crossed, dead or damaged stems and trim back to a strong bud. On established plants remove 20% of the old stems to ground level.
Water well until established and mulch annually with organic matter for the most stunning flower shows.