Philadelphus x virginalis

Yesterday’s picture was of an intensely fragrant peony, today is another lovely scented flower, the Mock Orange. This is Philadelphus x virginalis, though I am not sure which cultivar this is. We have several species, including P. lewisii, the Pacific NW native, though this plant is usually the first to bloom.

The shrub itself is a suitable for a background plant in a mixed border as it is not particularly distinctive, but in late spring, when it blooms, it can be appreciated for its wafting sweetness from a great distance. (I wish I could share the delicious orange blossom scent on-line…but that’s a bit ahead of our current capabilities.) Easy to care for providing it doesn’t get too dry, it makes a nice hedge plant. Pruning should be done right after bloom, so you don’t miss a single flower!