Philadelphus 'BELLE ETOILE' mock orange
Philadelphus
Mock orange is a reliable and absolutely maintenance-free shrub of old European gardens. It is popular for its snow white, scented flowers.Belle Etoile is one the hybrids raised at the turn of the 19th century by a French botanist Pierre Lemione. It is popular for the large, bridal-white flowers with a light maroon blotch in the centre, strong fragrance and prolonged flowering period. It is a compact shrub compared to other philadelphus species and varieties. Deciduous leaves are narrowly ovate, 4-5 cm long, mid green.
It grows moderately into an arching shrub, about 1.5m tall and 2m wide. Pruning is not necessary but can be done immediately after flowering in late summer. To rejuvenate the shrub remove branches older than 2 years every couple of years. It will grow in almost any soil, extra fertilizing is not welcome. It can take urban conditions and pollution as well as restricted room for roots. Fully hardy to min. -30°C (USDA zone 5).
Last update 16-03-2010
