Philadelphus

New Zealand’s Best Philadelphus Plants

Growing colourful shrubs in your garden delivers a vast range of benefits:

• They are visual plants that add impact to a space
• They attract birds and bees
• Street appeal can be greatly enhanced
• Children can learn the plants and become more involved with nature
• These plants will bring you pleasure for many years to come

We have the largest variety of Mock Orange plants and the right one for your space. Our plants have been selected to thrive in NZ’s climate. We grow and stock only the highest quality plants, sourcing them locally, and from NZ’s leading nurseries. Each plant is packed and transported with extreme care, ensuring it arrives to you in the same condition it was in when it left the nursery. If you are wanting to buy Philadelphus, shop with confidence from the best in the industry.

Common questions about growing Philadelphus

1. Which is the most fragrant Philadelphus?

There are many fragrant Philadelphus cultivars, but some of the most popular and highly regarded for their strong scent include:

• Philadelphus 'Avalanche': This deciduous shrub produces an abundance of single white flowers with a sweet, citrusy fragrance. It blooms in late spring to early summer and grows to a height of 1-1.5 m.
• Philadelphus 'Belle Etoile': This cultivar is known for its exceptionally strong fragrance, which has been described as resembling jasmine or honeysuckle. It produces clusters of double white flowers in late spring to early summer and grows to a height of 2-3 m.
• Philadelphus 'Lemoinei': This hybrid cultivar is one of the most popular Philadelphus varieties, and it is known for its long flowering period and strong fragrance. It produces clusters of single white flowers in late spring to early summer and grows to a height of 2-2.5 m.
• Philadelphus microphyllus: This small-leafed Philadelphus cultivar is known for its sweet, citrusy fragrance and its ability to tolerate shade. It produces clusters of single white flowers in late spring to early summer and grows to a height of 1.5 m.
• Philadelphus virginalis: This species Philadelphus is known for its strong, sweet fragrance and its ability to produce flowers in both spring and summer. It produces clusters of single white flowers in late spring to early summer and again in late summer to early fall. It grows to a height of 2-3 m.

Ultimately, the most fragrant Philadelphus for you will depend on your personal preferences and the conditions in your garden. However, all of the cultivars listed above are sure to add a touch of fragrance and beauty to your landscape.

2. How fast growing is mock orange?

Mock orange shrubs are generally considered to be fast-growing plants, with an average growth rate of 60 cm per year. This means that they can reach their mature size in as little as 4-5 years. However, their growth rate can vary depending on the cultivar, soil conditions, and climate.

Here are some tips for encouraging fast growth in mock orange shrubs:

• Plant them in well-drained, fertile soil. Mock orange shrubs prefer moist soil, but they do not like to sit in water. If your soil is heavy clay, amend it with compost or other organic matter to improve drainage.
• Provide them with full sun or partial shade. Mock orange shrubs will flower best in full sun, but they can also tolerate partial shade. If you plant them in too much shade, they may not flower as well.
• Water them regularly. Mock orange shrubs need to be watered regularly, especially during hot, dry weather. Allow the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings.
• Fertilize them annually. Apply a balanced fertilizer in the spring to encourage new growth.

With proper care, your mock orange shrubs should grow quickly and fill in your garden with beautiful flowers and fragrant blooms.

3. Is Philadelphus a good cut flower?

Yes, Philadelphus, also known as mock orange, is a good cut flower. It has several qualities that make it a desirable choice for arrangements, including:

• Fragrant flowers: Philadelphus flowers have a sweet, citrusy fragrance that can fill a room.
• Long vase life: Philadelphus flowers can last for up to two weeks in a vase if properly cared for.
• Easy to care for: Philadelphus flowers do not require a lot of special care to keep them fresh. Simply change the water in the vase every few days and trim the stems at an angle.
• Variety of colors: Philadelphus flowers come in a variety of colors, including white, pink, and yellow.
• Available in different sizes: Philadelphus shrubs come in a variety of sizes, so you can find one that fits your needs. Some varieties are small and compact, while others are larger and more showy.

Here are some tips for arranging Philadelphus flowers:

• Use a clean vase: Make sure the vase you are using is clean and free of any debris. This will help to prevent bacteria from growing and damaging the flowers.
• Fill the vase with fresh water: Use fresh, clean water to fill the vase. Do not use water that has been sitting out for a while or that has been used for other purposes.
• Trim the stems at an angle: Trim the stems of the flowers at an angle using sharp scissors. This will help the flowers to take up water more easily.
• Change the water every few days: Change the water in the vase every few days to keep the flowers fresh.
• Keep the vase in a cool location: Keep the vase in a cool location out of direct sunlight. This will help the flowers to last longer.

Philadelphus flowers are a beautiful and fragrant addition to any arrangement. With proper care, they can last for up to two weeks, filling your home with their sweet scent.

4. What is the common name for Philadelphus?

The most common name for Philadelphus is mock orange. This name is derived from the fact that the flowers of Philadelphus shrubs resemble those of orange blossoms, but they do not have the same citrusy fragrance. Other common names for Philadelphus include syringa, snowball, and breath of heaven.

5. Is mock orange a Murraya?

No, mock orange and murraya are two different plants.

Mock orange, also known as Philadelphus, is a genus of deciduous shrubs or small trees that are native to North America, Europe, and Asia. They are known for their fragrant, white flowers that bloom in late spring to early summer. Mock orange shrubs are popular landscaping plants because they are easy to care for and can tolerate a wide range of conditions.

Murraya, also known as orange jessamine, is a genus of evergreen shrubs or small trees that are native to tropical Asia and Australia. They are known for their fragrant, white or pink flowers that bloom in spring and summer. Murraya shrubs are also popular landscaping plants because they are easy to care for and can tolerate a wide range of conditions.

6. Is Philadelphus the same as Syringa?

No, Philadelphus is not the same as Syringa. While both are flowering shrubs in the Hydrangea family, they belong to different genera and have distinct characteristics. Here’s a breakdown of the key differences between Philadelphus and Syringa:

Genus and Common Name

• Philadelphus: Commonly known as mock orange, this genus includes about 60 deciduous shrub species native to temperate regions of North America, Europe, and Asia.
• Syringa: Commonly known as lilac, this genus comprises about 26 species of deciduous shrubs or small trees native to Europe and Asia.

Flowering

• Philadelphus: Produces single or double white flowers with a sweet, citrusy fragrance. Bloom time typically occurs in late spring or early summer.
• Syringa: Produces clusters of single or double flowers in various colors, including white, pink, purple, and lilac. Bloom time is generally in late spring or early summer.

Leaf Shape and Size

• Philadelphus: Has opposite, simple leaves with oval or elliptic shapes and serrated margins. Leaf size ranges from 1 to 4 inches long.
• Syringa: Also has opposite, simple leaves, but their shapes vary from ovate to oblong or lanceolate. Leaf size ranges from 1 to 3 inches long.

Overall Appearance

• Philadelphus: Generally has a more open, spreading habit with slender branches.
• Syringa: Typically has a more upright, bushy habit with sturdier branches.

Fragrance

• Philadelphus: Known for its sweet, citrusy fragrance, which is often described as reminiscent of orange blossoms.
• Syringa: Also produces a pleasant fragrance, but it varies depending on the species. Some cultivars have a strong, sweet fragrance, while others have a more subtle scent.

In summary, while both Philadelphus and Syringa are beautiful flowering shrubs, they are distinct genera with unique characteristics. Their differences in flower color, leaf shape, and overall appearance make them easy to distinguish.

7. What is the best small Philadelphus?

The best small Philadelphus for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences. However, some of the most popular and highly regarded small Philadelphus cultivars include:

• Philadelphus 'Manteau d'Hermine': This dwarf cultivar produces an abundance of double white flowers with a strong fragrance. It grows to a height of only 1 m and has a compact, rounded habit.
• Philadelphus 'Mini Snowflake': This miniature cultivar is one of the smallest Philadelphus varieties, growing to a height of just 50 cm. It produces clusters of single white flowers with a sweet fragrance.
• Philadelphus 'Microphyllus': This small-leafed cultivar produces clusters of single white flowers with a sweet, citrusy fragrance. It grows to a height of 1 m and has a dense, bushy habit.
• Philadelphus 'Snowbelle': This compact cultivar produces an abundance of single white flowers with a strong fragrance. It grows to a height of 1 m and has a rounded habit.
• Philadelphus 'Zuckerhut': This miniature cultivar produces clusters of single white flowers with a sweet fragrance. It grows to a height of just 1 m and has a rounded habit.