Sweet mock orange – almost like a real jasmine

(Philadelphus coronarius), is also known as a “fake jasmine”. This is due to its appearance, which is similar to a real jasmine. Flowers are usually white to creamy in colour and grow in clusters. Each flower has four petals. The fragrance of these flowers is amazing and you can smell it especially, during warm summer evenings. While jasmine doesn’t do very well in our climatic conditions, you will have no trouble growing sweet mock orange.

Suitable location

This deciduous shrub prefers sunny locations, but will also grow in a partial shade. If you care for it properly you will be rewarded with loads of white flowers with a delightful smell. Almost the entire bush is covered with sweet-scented flowers. Leaves are ovate with toothed edges. There are many species of this interesting shrub, so the size can vary a lot, but this is okay, as you can choose small, medium or tall bush.

Photo: Commons.wikimedia.org

Very useful but poisonous plant!

People in the old ages used the entire shrub. Anyone working with this shrub should be careful because it is poisonous. The wood was used to make arrows and bows for example. Many beauty products were also made from flowers and leaves, but do not try it at home, given the fact that it is poisonous.

Sweet mock orange grafting

Flowers bloom on old wood, so let the bush grow freely. An ideal solution is to make a hedge out of it. If you want to trim it, focus on damaged branches. You can also adjust the height.
However, trimming should be done very gently because you don’t want to lose branches that produce flowers. Flowers are the reason why you grow this bush, right? So, go easy on the trimming.

Use

The sweet mock orange makes a great hedge, but it is also used to fill empty spaces and to make them look and smell nice so, many people use it around garden seating areas. Given the fact this bush needs almost no care, you can plant it in hard-to-reach places. Sweet mock orange grows well together with Japanese quince, guelder rose or vaigelia for example.

Preview photo: Commons.wikimedia.org