Philadelphus Innocence - Mock Orange

Philadelphus 'Innocence' is a very old variety of garden mock orange, with an unforgettable fragrance. 'Innocence' charms in spring, with an abundance of simple and light white and fragrant flower clusters, but is also attractive outside of flowering, with its foliage randomly splashed with cream, yellow, and gold. A little slow to establish, this mock orange gradually forms a dense and sturdy bush, with a fluid and slightly arched habit. Its variegated foliage, which dislikes strong sun elegantly dresses the shaded or semi-shaded areas of the garden.

The Philadelphus Innocence is one of the many horticultural hybrids resulting from the cross-breeding of Philadelphus microphyllus (originating from the southeastern U.S.A) and P. coronarius (originating from southern Europe and Asia Minor), obtained in 1900 in France by Victor Lemoine. All these plants belong to the hydrangea family, just like hydrangeas. This shrub is actually a collection of solid, flexible, and curved stems, emerging directly from the ground, giving the plant a dense, compact, and slightly spreading habit. It takes a while to establish: the mock orange takes several years to be at its best. At maturity, this shrub will reach about 2.50m (8ft) in height, and approximately the same in width. The particularly generous flowering occurs in late spring or early summer, earlier or later depending on the climate. The white flowers, composed of 4 petals arranged in flat cups, measure about 3-4cm (1.2 - 1.6in) in diameter. They are gathered in slightly loose terminal clusters. Their intense fragrance is a blend of orange blossom with hints of wild strawberry. Its decorative, deciduous foliage consists of ovate, entire leaves with finely toothed edges, measuring 10cm (3.9in) in length, slightly furry on the underside. Almost cream-coloured in early spring, they later become variegated and punctuated with varying shades of yellow, and turn green in early autumn. The reddish-brown to orange bark flakes off as it ages. Garden mock oranges live for many years.

The mock orange is perfectly hardy and indifferent to the nature of the soil once well established, even if it is chalky and dry in summer. This shrub, sometimes considered ungraceful in winter, is indispensable in the garden. Hybridizers have seized it to create hybrids that all prove to be excellent garden plants, hardy, disease-free, and of great ornamental value. The variegated foliage of 'Innocence' mock orange prohibits it from being exposed to scorching sun, prefer semi-shade, where it will reveal all its splendour. Plant it in a mixed hedge, surrounded by deciduous or evergreen euonymus, lilacs, buddleias, abelias, or large bush roses, as it certainly has its place in the scented garden. Among perennials, one can choose light foliage and flowers, such as those of Geranium phaeum Album, with white lilies, Hosta undulata var albomarginata for example. White-flowered shrubs such as Hydrangea Annabelle, Hydrangea quercifolia Snowflake, and serviceberries will accompany it in a white garden or on the edge of woodland. Finally, one can also let a late-flowering clematis (Clematis flammula) climb in its branches.