About

An upright, deciduous shrub to 3m high, with long, arching stems and ovate, dark green leaves. Produces loose clusters of aromatic, single white flowers with contrasting purple calyxes in early summer.

About the genus

Philadelphus are deciduous shrubs with simple, opposite leaves and bowl-shaped, usually fragrant flowers which may be solitary or in small panicles or racemes in summer

Growing conditions

SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectEast-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH5

Plant details

Plant typeShrubs
HabitColumnar upright, Pendulous weeping
FoliageDeciduous
Height2.5-4 metres
Spread1.5-2.5 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Cottage and informal garden
FragranceFlower

Care notes

CultivationGrow in any moderately fertile, well drained soil in full sun or part shade
PruningPruning group 2, after flowering
PropagationPropagate by softwood cuttings in summer, or hardwood cuttings in autumn or winter
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to honey fungus (rarely) and powdery mildews