Consulta Plantas

Care of the shrub Philadelphus x virginalis or Virginal Mock Orange

The genus Philadelphus, family Hydrangeaceae, comprises 50 species of shrubs native to Central and North America, Asia, and eastern Europe. Some species and hybrids are: Philadelphus x virginalis, Philadelphus coronarius, Philadelphus × purpureomaculatus, Philadelphus delavayi, Philadelphus lewisii, Philadelphus × lemoinei.

Common names: Virginal Mock Orange, Double Mock-orange. This shrub is a hybrid between Philadelphus x lemoinei and Philadelphus x nivalis.

They are deciduous shrubs with arched branches and elegant bearing that reach 3 meters (9.84 feet) in height and 2 meters (6.56 feet) in width. The leaves are dark green, oval in shape with serrated edges. The interesting, scented white flowers are usually double and appear in groups. They bloom from late spring to early summer. They attract bees and butterflies.

Virginal Mock Orange is used as isolated specimens, in groups or combined with other shrubs. It's ideal planted next to a wall.

Philadelphus x virginalis can live in semi-shade or direct sun exposure; in climates like the Mediterranean it's better to place it in semi-shade. It resists frost well up to about -12 ºC (10.4 ºF).

Double Mock-orange can grow in any soil, even calcareous, but prefers a well-drained garden substrate that contains organic matter.

Water regularly, waiting for the substrate to be almost dry and never water.

Fertilize with compost in early spring and monthly with mineral fertilizer in spring and the first half of summer.

Prune after flowering by trimming some stems from the base and the others slightly to maintain a compact appearance and strengthen the plant.

Philadelphus x virginalis does not usually has pest and disease problems but can be attacked by aphids and mealybugs if it suffers prolonged drought.

Virginal Mock Orange is propagated from woody cuttings in spring or early summer.

Images of the shrub Philadelphus x virginalis or Virginal Mock Orange