Mock orange, with its orange blossom fragrance, is frost-resistant and thrives in cold winters. It grows particularly well in summer rainfall areas, but keep it well watered in summer if in winter rainfall regions; this will ensure a good show of blooms.

Plant mock orange in the sun in cooler and more humid regions, but in semi-shade in hotter, drier areas. It looks gorgeous planted with annuals, such as foxglove (Digitalis purpurea), larkspur (Consolida ambigua) and Delphiniums in a mixed bed. Trim back mock orange just after flowering to healthy shoots, and remove some of the older branches to encourage new growth. However, don’t prune it in winter because this will remove the stems that are about to flower.

PLANT GUIDE
Common Name Mock orange
Botanical Name Philadelphus coronarius

• sun
• average water needs
• deciduous
• frost-resistant
• flowers from September to October
• Height: 2-3m
• Width: 1-2m
• fragrant flowers

Words and image: Home magazine