Overview
Philadelphus 'Virginal' is a bushy deciduous shrub in the genus Philadelphus, part of the Hydrangeaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Philadelphus 'Virginal' grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates well-drained soil soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include garden borders, hedging and ornamental shrub.
About
Philadelphus 'Virginal' is a deciduous shrub cultivar of the Philadelphus genus, commonly known as mock orange. This shrub is valued for its strong, sweet, citrus-like fragrance. It thrives in well-drained, moist soil and grows well in full sun to partial shade. Suitable for garden borders, hedging, and as an ornamental shrub, it is hardy in the UK (H5) and benefits from pruning immediately after flowering to maintain its shape and encourage new growth.
About the genus
Philadelphus (mock-orange) is a genus of about 60 species of shrubs from 3–20 ft tall, native to North America, Central America, Asia and (locally) in southeast Europe.
Wikipedia contributors, "Philadelphus", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Philadelphus
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Philadelphus
- Sunlight
- full sun, partial shade
- Soil type
- well-drained soil
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- moist
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing, East-facing, North-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Philadelphus 'Virginal' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- deciduous shrub
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Suggested uses
- garden borders, hedging, ornamental shrub
- Fragrance
- strong, sweet, citrus-like
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Philadelphus 'Virginal'
- Cultivation
- Prefers well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade; tolerates a range of soils.
- Pruning
- Prune immediately after flowering to maintain shape and encourage new growth.
- Propagation
- softwood cuttings in early summer
- Pest resistance
- Aphids
- Disease resistance
- Honey fungus, Powdery mildews
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Philadelphus 'Virginal'?
Prefers well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade; tolerates a range of soils.
Where is the best place to plant Philadelphus 'Virginal'?
Philadelphus 'Virginal' prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Philadelphus 'Virginal' need?
Philadelphus 'Virginal' grows best in well-drained soil soil. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist.
How do I prune Philadelphus 'Virginal'?
Prune immediately after flowering to maintain shape and encourage new growth.
Is Philadelphus 'Virginal' hardy in the UK?
Philadelphus 'Virginal' has an RHS hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is hardy in most of the UK, tolerating -15 to -10°C.
How do I propagate Philadelphus 'Virginal'?
Softwood cuttings in early summer.
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