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.

They are used as isolated specimens, in groups or combined with other shrubs. They are 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 them in semi-shade. They resist frost well up to about -12 ºC (10.4 ºF).

They can grow in any soil, even calcareous, but prefer 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.

They do not usually have pest and disease problems but can be attacked by aphids and mealybugs if they suffer prolonged drought.

They are propagated from woody cuttings in spring or early summer.

Images of the shrub Philadelphus x virginalis or Virginal Mock Orange