Philadelphus Komsomolec - Mock Orange

The Philadelphus 'Komsomolec' is an old variety of compact white Mock Orange, with an upright and well-clustered habit. In late spring, it produces a superb double white flowering with a highly appreciated fragrance. Forming clusters at the end of branches, the flowers stand out well against the relatively dark green foliage. Hardy, the shrub grows in most soils, preferably in full sun or partial shade. Its morphology lends itself well to the creation of low mixed hedges, and you can also integrate it into a diverse flower bed to achieve an extended flowering period.

Philadelphus, named after the nickname of the Egyptian monarch Ptolemy II, is a member of the Hydrangea family, which owes its name to the Hydrangea (Hydrangea), arguably the most iconic genus. There are about sixty species of Philadelphus, or Mock Orange, almost all native to the Northern Hemisphere (Europe, Caucasus, East Asia, Himalayas, and North America) and deciduous. However, there are a few evergreen species that grow in Central America (such as Philadelphus mexicanus). Many horticultural varieties have been produced by breeders, including the famous French breeder Victor Lemoine, known worldwide for his work on different plant genera.
The 'Komsomolec' Mock Orange is a deciduous variety created by Soviet breeder N.K. Vekhova in 1951. The shrub has an upright habit, forming an erect tuft that reaches a height of 1.30 to 1.50 m at maturity and a width of 70 cm. The stems are upright and do not open at the top, maintaining a well-clustered silhouette, which is interesting for hedge use. The leaves are dark green on top, lighter underneath with hairs at the axil of the veins. They are relatively large for the genus, have a dentate border, and are opposite on the branches. This fairly dark foliage is perfect for highlighting the light flowers that bloom in late spring and early summer. About 4.5 cm in diameter, the double flowers stand out against the foliage with their pure white colour, enhanced by light yellow anthers. Grouped in 3 or 4, the flowers form scented white pompoms that perfume the garden for approximately three weeks. Since flowering is the main asset of this shrub, it is preferable to plant it alongside other plants with staggered flowering, either to create a low hedge or to integrate it into a diverse flower bed, or even to plant it in the background of a mixed border. This Philadelphus thrives in full sun but will also tolerate light shade.

With its upright habit and small size, the Philadelphus 'Komsomolec' easily fits into a free hedge, which you can lightly prune with secateurs to maintain a natural appearance. To brighten up the early season, opt for the 'Flying Machine' Korean Goldenbell Tree, which will delight you with its bright yellow star-shaped flowers from March to May, depending on your region. In May-June, the 'Strawberry Fields' Deutzia will offer you raspberry-pink flowers edged with white, with a charming touch of romance. And to flower your summer, nothing beats a few Hibiscus syriacus plants in your hedge. The range includes single or double flowers in multiple colours, as well as numerous bicoloured varieties, so you just have to make your choice!