About

Philadelphus tenuifolius, the slender-leaved mock orange, is an attractive, upright, deciduous shrub with dark-green foliage and small, highly scented, single, white flowers in summer. A rewarding and fragrant mock orange for a sunny, well-drained border.

About the genus

Philadelphus, the mock oranges, are deciduous shrubs with simple, opposite leaves and bowl-shaped, usually strongly fragrant, white or cream flowers borne singly or in small panicles or racemes in summer. Reliable and popular garden shrubs.

Growing conditions

SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Sand, Loam
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectEast-facing, North-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH6

Plant details

Plant typeShrubs
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height2.5-4 metres
Spread2.5-4 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