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Description
Philadelphus Coronarius, commonly known as the sweet mock orange, is a deciduous shrub that belongs to the Hydrangeaceae family. This plant is native to Southern Europe, but it is widely cultivated in North America, Europe, and Asia for its fragrant flowers. The plant can grow up to 10 feet tall and 6 feet wide, with arching branches that form a rounded shape. The leaves are dark green, ovate, and serrated, and they grow up to 4 inches long. The flowers are white, cup-shaped, and fragrant, and they bloom in late spring to early summer. The fruit is a brown capsule that contains many small seeds.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Cornales |
| Family | Hydrangeaceae |
| Genus | Philadelphus |
Appearance
The sweet mock orange is a beautiful plant that can add charm to any garden. Its arching branches create a rounded shape, and its dark green leaves provide a nice contrast to the fragrant white flowers. The flowers are cup-shaped and grow up to 2 inches in diameter. They have a sweet, citrusy scent that attracts bees and butterflies. The fruit is a brown capsule that is not very ornamental. The plant can grow up to 10 feet tall and 6 feet wide, but it can be pruned to maintain a smaller size.
Care Guide
If you want to grow Philadelphus Coronarius in your garden, you need to know how to take care of it. Here are some tips:
Water
The sweet mock orange prefers moist, well-drained soil. Water it regularly, especially during hot and dry weather.
Fertilization
Fertilize the plant in early spring with a balanced fertilizer. You can also add compost or well-rotted manure to the soil.
Soil
The sweet mock orange grows well in a variety of soils, but it prefers fertile, well-drained soil. If your soil is heavy or clayey, add some sand or perlite to improve drainage.
Sunlight
The sweet mock orange prefers full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate some shade, but it may not bloom as well.
Hardiness Zones
The sweet mock orange is hardy in USDA zones 5 to 8.
Common Pests & Diseases
The sweet mock orange is generally a healthy plant, but it can be affected by some pests and diseases. Here are some common ones:
Pests
- Aphids
- Spider mites
- Scale insects
Diseases
- Powdery mildew
- Leaf spot
- Canker
To prevent these problems, make sure to keep the plant healthy and well-watered. You can also use insecticidal soap or neem oil to control pests, and fungicides to control diseases.
Habitat
Philadelphus Coronarius is native to Southern Europe, where it grows in open woodlands, rocky slopes, and scrublands. It prefers well-drained soils and full sun to partial shade. In cultivation, it can be grown in a variety of soils and climates, as long as it is watered and fertilized properly.
Question and Answer
Q: Can I grow Philadelphus Coronarius in a container?
A: Yes, you can grow the sweet mock orange in a container, as long as it is large enough and has good drainage.
Q: How often should I prune my Philadelphus Coronarius?
A: You can prune the plant after it blooms in late spring to early summer. Remove any dead or diseased wood, and shape the plant as desired.
Q: Can I propagate Philadelphus Coronarius from cuttings?
A: Yes, you can propagate the plant from softwood or semi-hardwood cuttings in late spring to early summer.
Q: Is Philadelphus Coronarius toxic to pets?
A: No, the plant is not toxic to pets or humans.
Related Plants
- Philadelphus ‘Belle Etoile’
- Philadelphus ‘Innocence’
- Philadelphus ‘Snowbelle’
- Philadelphus ‘Virginal’
References
- “Sweet Mock Orange.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed September 27, 2021. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=j830.
- “Philadelphus Coronarius.” Royal Horticultural Society. Accessed September 27, 2021. https://www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/101142/Philadelphus-coronarius/Details.
- “Philadelphus Coronarius.” PlantFiles. Accessed September 27, 2021. https://davesgarden.com/guides/pf/go/1136/.
