Philadelphus coronarius - Mock Orange

The Philadelphus coronarius is also known as Mock Orange. It must be acknowledged that this remarkably resistant bush is one of the contenders, if not the winner in the fragrance race. Once neglected in favour of double-flowering hybrids, which are more spectacular, this slightly untidy botanical species with simple white flowers, reminds us a little of what happened with roses as their appearance has supplanted their powerful scent.

The Philadelphus coronarius, cultivated for a very long time, is native to Asia Minor and the southern half of Europe. It is now naturalized in many temperate regions, including France. It belongs to the Hydrangeaceae family, just like hydrangeas. It is a perfectly hardy plant, with a good lifespan, and has a shallow root system.

This bush has an upright, open, slightly spreading silhouette that often becomes a bit messy with age, and develops many stems from its stump. With medium growth, it will reach a height of between 2 and 3m (6.5 and 10ft), sometimes up to 4m (13ft) depending on the growing conditions. Its base widens over time so that eventually its vegetation will be almost as wide as it is tall. Its hollow stems are covered with a brown bark that flakes off over time. From spring onwards, they bear matte green foliage, turning yellow in autumn before falling. The leaves are entire, ovate or lanceolate in shape, dentate at the edges, measuring 3 to 10cm (1.2 to 3.9in) in length.

The nectar-rich flowers of the mock orange appear in May-June depending on the climate. The numerous flowers are solitary or grouped in twos or threes at the ends of secondary branches. They are 3 to 4cm (1.2 to 1.6in) wide, composed of 4 rounded, white petals arranged in a cup around a core of white stamens with yellow anthers. Their scent is very pronounced, emanating delightful aromas of orange blossom that attract pollinating insects.

The Mock Orange thrives almost anywhere, even blooming in partial shade, and withstands competition from other bushes and tall trees: it is an excellent garden plant that is truly easy to grow in ordinary soil (even chalky). It manages to survive in dry soil in summer, but will be more comfortable in soil that retains moisture. This bush dislikes strong winds, but has a strong ability to recover, even after severe pruning. It finds its place in a countryside hedge, alongside the Cornus mas, which blooms as early as February, lilacs (Syringa vulgaris), Exochorda (E. serratifolia or korolkowii in chalky soil), or botanical roses for example. Since it falls into relative anonymity after flowering, it is preferable to choose companions with staggered bloom times or decorative foliage, deciduous or evergreen (Itea illicifolia, Garrya elliptica, Elaeagnus ebbingei...). Place it downwind, along a path or opening (door, window), to fully enjoy its fragrance.