If you are not familiar with the Philadelphus shrubs, you might like to check them out. Commonly known as Mock Orange, there are different types and while some can grow quite tall, the Philadelphus that I bought yesterday, Snowbelle' only grows to a height and spread of about 1.5m x 1m in 10 years. I plan to grow mine against the south facing fence. Snowbelle is a deciduous shrub with a slight scent, the label on it explains. It also says that in early summer it smothers itself in double white flowers. Smother is the word! When I bought mine it was full of white flowers and although a lot of the petals shook off and ended up in my car boot after the long journey home, it is still looking very pretty.
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| Philadelphus (Mock Orange) 'Snowbelle' |
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| Philadelphus (Mock Orange) 'Snowbelle' |
I bought the plant at the Bridgemere Nursery and Garden World near Nantwich in Cheshire. It is said to be the largest garden centre in the world. Don't know about that but it was pouring with rain, as it has been much of the time for over a week now, and I concentrated mostly on the areas under shelter.
Philadelphus shrubs belong, would you believe, to the hydrangea family! I bought mine at the Bridgemere Nursery and Garden World. Their website says Philadelphus 'Snowbelle' likes full sun but will tolerate light shade, is easy to grow, and is 'not fussy about soil' although it must be well drained. It flowers on previous year's growth so prune immediately after flowering 'cutting back the flowering growth and if the plant gets congested, take a third to a quarter of the older stems down to ground level to keep it in good shape'. Apparently the plant can suffer from mildew in dry weather so attention to watering in hot weather is important. Aphids can attack sappy growth so watch out for those little pesky suckers.