Philadelphus

Philadelphus (mock orange): timeless fragrant shrub with a modern twist

Philadelphus, also known as mock orange, has been a beloved garden shrub for generations. In May and June, it is covered with white flowers that give off a wonderful jasmine-like fragrance. The flowering is so abundant that the branches almost disappear behind the sea of flowers. After flowering, the fresh green foliage provides a neat, natural look.

The Illuminati® series from Proven Winners® gives this classic a modern update: compact, easy to maintain and available in varieties to suit any garden.

Why mock orange remains so popular

The secret of Philadelphus lies in its fragrance and reliability. Whereas many shrubs have a short flowering period, mock orange offers an abundance of flowers that fill a patio or path with a wonderful scent for weeks on end. In addition, the plant is completely hardy and undemanding, making it at home in almost any garden.

The Illuminati® selections from Proven Winners® add an extra dimension. Illuminati Tower® has a unique growth habit: narrow and tall, ideal for small city gardens, while Illuminati Arch® adds a romantic touch with its elegantly curved branches.

The charm of flowers and foliage

Philadelphus is a deciduous shrub that usually grows to a height of 1.5 to 2.5 metres. Its star-shaped flowers are pure white and give off an intensely sweet fragrance reminiscent of orange blossom. Outside of the flowering season, the shrub retains its appeal thanks to its fresh green foliage and dense growth habit. This makes it not only a spring bloomer, but a shrub that looks well-groomed throughout the season. 

Where does Philadelphus grow best?

Mock orange likes a spot in full sun to partial shade. The more sun, the richer the flowering. Well-drained, nutritious soil gives the best results. When planting, it is wise to wet the root ball thoroughly and mix compost into the garden soil. This will give the shrub a healthy start.

Care without worries

Philadelphus requires very little maintenance. Prune immediately after flowering so that new flowering shoots can form for the following year. By removing a few old branches every few years, you can keep the shrub young and full of flowers. Extra water for young plants and during dry summers helps to support flowering, but otherwise mock orange is problem-free and strong.

How can you use mock orange in your garden?

With its fragrant flowers and natural appearance, Philadelphus is very versatile. It works wonderfully as a solitary eye-catcher in a border, but is also perfect as a background shrub along a terrace or path.

Thanks to the compact growth of the Illuminati® series, mock orange is now also suitable for small gardens and city gardens. Tower® offers a narrow, elegant shape, and Arch® adds a playful, graceful twist.

Philadelphus in your garden!

Philadelphus, or mock orange, is the perfect fragrant shrub for any garden. With its white flowers and wonderful scent, it brings weeks of atmosphere in late spring. The Proven Winners® Illuminati® series combines that classic charm with modern advantages: compact growth, unique leaf colours and ease of maintenance. This makes mock orange once again completely contemporary.

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