Also known ans English dogwood, this deciduous shrub is native to southern Europe and Asia Minor, and is a member of the hydrangea family, Hydrangeaceae, that also includes tree anemone, waxflower, and common whipplea. The plant grows 10-12′ tall and has a stiff, straight stem and oval, dark green leaves that are 1.5-4″ long and have toothed margins. From spring into summer, racemes of 5-7 white flowers appear. The flowers are 4-petaled and have a strong sweet-scented fragrance of orange blossoms. The single flower forms are more fragrant than those of the double hybrids. Several cultivars are available including a dwarf form and ones with yellow foliage and variegated foliage. Mock orange is valued for it floriferousness and pleasant fragrance so is a good choice for fragrance and moon gardens but once it has ceased flowering it needs attractive companions. It tends to colonize by suckers, so requires attention if a colony is not wanted. The genus name, Philadelphus, honors the Egyptian king, Ptolemy Philadelphus (285-246 B.C.), reputed to be a gardener. The specific epithet, coronarius, comes from the Latin word corona, meaning crown, and refers its use in making garlands.
Type: Deciduous shrub
Outstanding Feature: Fragrant flowers
Form: Rounded
Growth Rate: Rapid
Bloom: Racemes of 5-7 white, 4-petaled flowers with a strong sweet-scented fragrance of orange blossoms from spring into summer
Size: 10-12′ H x 10-12′ W
Light: Full sun; tolerates some shade
Soil: Organic, moist, well-drained
Hardiness: Zones 4-8
Care: Prune immediately after flowering; remove suckers if a colony is not wanted
Pests and Diseases: Generally healthy but susceptible to leaf spot, canker, powdery mildew, and rust.
Propagation: Hardwood cuttings in fall, winter or early spring; softwood cutting immediately after flowering
Outstanding Selections:
‘Aureus’ (golden yellow foliage)
‘Icezam’ (white variegated leaves)
‘Dwarf’ (2-3′ H)
Photo Credit Wikipedia
Karen Meyers