Philadelphus pubescens

Philadelphus pubescens flower (26/05/2011, Prague)

Position:  Will flourish in full sun to partial shade.

Soil: Moist and well drained.

Flowering period: Early summer.

Eventual Height: 4m

Eventual Spread:  4m

Hardiness: 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b

Family: Hydrangeaceae

Philadelphus pubescens is a deciduous perennial with an upright habit. Its leaves are opposite, simple, oblong to ovate, green above, gray fuzzy below. Its inflorescence is in the form of white hermaphrodite flowers with four petals and yellow anthers, similar in appearance and fragrance to orange blossoms and it is followed by dry capsules with four segments.

Philadelphus pubescens, commonly known as the Hoary Mock Orange, is native to south eastern United States.

The etymological root of the binomial name Philadelphus is named after an ancient Greek king of Egypt. Pubescens is derived from the Latin meaning ‘downy’ or ‘soft’.

Philadelphus pubescens (26/05/2011, Prague)

Philadelphus pubescens may be useful to the landscape architect as a medium sized shrub which is tolerant of dappled shade and has fragrant flowers.

Philadelphus pubescens will tolerate many soil conditions; it will be happy in acid, neutral or alkaline pH levels, and in loam, sand, or chalk based soils.

Ecologically, Philadelphus pubescens will attract many pollinating insects including bees, butterflies and birds.

Philadelphus pubescens requires little maintenance. Pruning after flowering will encourage a stronger inflorescence in the next year.