About
A highly desirable, upright, deciduous shrub species native to Mexico, Southern Arizona and New Mexico and named after the Sierra Madre Mountains. It Attains 2m tall and is semi-evergreen in its native habitat and deciduous in the UK, arching, almost pendulous branches carry dark green foliage and in summer, single, solitary, extremely perfumed white flowers with a pink centre appear with dark purple calyxes. Known for its powerful scent with one flower enough to fragrance a room.
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 moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectEast-facing, North-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous, Semi evergreen
Height1.5-2.5 metres
Spread1.5-2.5 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden
FragranceFlower
Care notes
CultivationGrow in moist, well drained soil in sun to partial shade. Plant bare root plants in winter when the ground is not frozen or waterlogged. Incorporate lots of well-rotted manure or garden compost to improve the soil and water in well. Mulch in spring
PruningPruning group 2
PropagationPropagate by softwood or hardwood cuttings
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to honey fungus (rarely) and powdery mildews