Philadelphus pekinensis - Mock Orange

The Philadelphus pekinensis, also known as the Beijing Mock Orange, is a botanical species native to northern China and Korea, still uncommon in gardens. It is a deciduous bush that is characterised by an abundant lightly scented spring flowering, made up of small flowers that are not quite white gathered in clusters. Like other mock oranges, this hardy and undemanding plant has its place in a low-maintenance hedge.

The Philadelphus pekinensis belongs to the Hydrangeaceae family, just like hydrangeas. It is a plant found in the northern and western Chinese provinces (Hubei, Jiangsu, Liaoning, Shaanxi, Shanxi, Zhejiang) and in Korea. The bush grows in mixed forests (mixing evergreen and deciduous trees), thickets, and on mountain slopes between 700 and 900 m altitude. It is a bushy and spreading shrub that develops numerous stems from its stump. It grows at a moderate pace and will reach a height of 1 to 2 m at maturity, sometimes more 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 filled with pith and covered with brown bark, while the young ones are brownish-yellow in colour. They bear a foliage of matte green that turns yellow in autumn before falling. The leaves are entire, with a toothed margin, strongly veined, broadly elliptical or lanceolate, measuring from 4 to 9 cm long and 1 to 4.5 cm wide on non-flowering branches. On flowering shoots, they are smaller. Both sides of the leaves are glabrous, and they are attached to the stems by violet petioles.

The flowering of Philadelphus pekinensis is nectariferous, and it takes place in May-June, depending on the climate. The numerous flowers are grouped in clusters of five to nine at the end of the branches. They are 3 to 4 cm wide, composed of 4 rounded petals and a creamy yellowish-white colour arranged in a cup around a core of yellow stamens. Their scent is moderately pronounced, releasing aromas of orange blossom and jasmine that attract pollinating insects.

The Beijing Mock Orange thrives almost anywhere, even flowers in light shade, and can tolerate competition from other shrubs and large trees: it is an easy-to-grow garden plant in ordinary soil (even limestone) and in most of our climates. It can survive in dry soil during the summer but will be more comfortable in soil that retains moisture. It finds its place in a countryside hedge, alongside the Exochorda (E. serratifolia or korolkowii in limestone soil), hedge viburnums, or botanical roses, for example. Since it becomes less prominent after flowering, it is preferable to choose companions with staggered flowering or decorative foliage, both deciduous and evergreen (Osmanthus 'Heaven Scent', Garrya elliptica, Styrax, etc.). Place it in a sheltered position, along a pathway or opening (door, window), to enjoy its fragrance.