Philadelphus mexicanus - Mock Orange

The Philadelphus mexicanus, also known as the Mexican Mock Orange, is a botanical species distinguished by its distinctly trailing habit and single tea-like flowers, which are relatively large for a mock orange and have a sweet rose fragrance. They bloom in the axils of the leaves in late spring or summer. This remarkable bush, whose foliage remains evergreen in winter, is not the hardiest of all mock oranges. However, it is vigorous, water-efficient, and tolerates shade and limestone well. This mock orange is ideal for dressing up a slope or raised bed, as it naturally follows the contour. It also excels at climbing in a beautiful scented and flowering hedge. Planted in the right spot and once well-established, it requires no maintenance.

The Philadelphus mexicanus is native to central and southern Mexico and Guatemala and belongs to the Hydrangeaceae family. It is a long-lived plant that tolerates root competition from other shrubs. Its hardiness is estimated at -10 °C in well-drained soil that does not retain too much water in winter. It is a shrub with branches that stand up to 1m (3ft) in height and bend towards the ground, sometimes crawling. In nature, they weave and lean on the branches of other shrubs and trees. In the garden, they can be trained against supports. When planted in isolation, this mock orange naturally takes on a spreading and weeping habit, like a fountain. When trained, it grows rapidly and measures about 3m (10ft) in height, reaching a spread of 2.50m (8ft) in the long run. The trailing branches bear ovate leaves of medium green colour, sometimes partially serrated, reaching 11cm (4in) in length. Although theoretically evergreen in winter, they can become deciduous in severe frosts. Flowering occurs from June to July and may occur again in September. The flowers are single, with 4 petals, cup-shaped, creamy white in colour, and measure up to 4cm (2in) in diameter. Their fragrance, light to pronounced depending on the time and temperature, is a blend of rose and tuberose. This nectar-rich flowering attracts numerous pollinating insects.

The Mexican Jasmine is better suited to regions with mild winters. Apart from its relative lack of hardiness, it thrives almost anywhere, even in light shade, and tolerates the competition from other shrubs and tall trees. It is an excellent find for enthusiasts of rare plants. This shrub survives in dry soil during summer but prefers soil that retains some moisture. However, it will not survive winter in frozen clay. It finds its place in a countryside hedge alongside the Cornus mas, which flowers from February, the lilac (Syringa vulgaris), the Exochorda (E. serratifolia or korolkowii in limestone soil), or botanical roses. As it becomes less prominent after flowering, it is preferable to choose companion plants with staggered flowering or decorative foliage, deciduous or evergreen (Itea illicifolia, Garrya elliptica James Roof, Elaeagnus ebbingei).