Philadelphus lemoinei Silberregen - Mock Orange

The Philadelphus 'Silberregen' is a variety of Mock Orange. It is fascinating due to its reasonably compact habit, especially its beautiful, highly fragrant white flowering in May-June. It emits a surprising scent reminiscent of strawberries, which sets this variety apart from other Lemoine hybrid Mock Oranges. This medium-sized bush is perfect for small gardens and beginners: it adapts well to most soils in sunny or semi-shaded locations and is frost-resistant. It can be planted in borders, hedges, or pots to decorate a terrace. 

The genus Philadelphus belongs to the Hydrangea family, which includes several genera used for ornamental purposes, such as Hydrangeas (Hydrangea), Deutzias, or the less common Carpenterias. The 'Silberregen' variety (silver rain in German, also known as 'Silver Showers') is a Lemoine hybrid. Nurseryman Victor Lemoine initially created this group of plants from Nancy, internationally renowned for his numerous plant creations in both the bush and perennial fields. Philadelphus x lemoinei is a cross between P. coronarius, undoubtedly the most well-known species, and P. microphyllus, a dwarf species.

"Silberregen," as its name suggests, is a German creation by the breeder Krotz and dates back to 1949. When fully grown, at around 10 years old, it reaches a medium height of 1.50 m (5ft) (maximum 2 m (7ft)), with a spread of 1 m (3ft) to 1.50 m. It blooms in May-June, producing single flowers with 4 or 5 white petals measuring 3 to 4 cm (1 to 2in) in diameter. Gathered in clusters on the bush, they emit a surprising strawberry chewing gum scent! The centre of the flowers is composed of a bouquet of white-yellow stamens, which is quite decorative. 

The deciduous foliage appears during spring with a fairly light, bright green colour that tends to darken afterwards. The small leaves are entire, oval-shaped with pointed tips, slightly hairy, and measure about 2 to 3 cm (1in) in length. The bush has an irregular bushy habit, well-suited for creating natural-looking hedges with a slightly wild appearance.

The Philadelphus, sometimes called poet's jasmine, are robust and perfectly hardy bushes that thrive in all types of soil. They can withstand anything, even summer droughts, but prefer some moisture at their base. 'Silberregen' is well-suited for mass planting small hedges, whether free or formal, but you can also choose to plant it as a standalone feature in a small garden. In a hedge, it will blend well with other naturally-looking plants, such as our European Spindle Tree, with its magnificent autumnal red foliage and attractive orange and pink decorative fruits, or the Amelanchier canadensis October Flame, with its white flowers and flamboyant autumn colours. You can also plant it alongside the Rosa hugonis, a little-known botanical rose with beautiful yellow flowers that give off a natural appearance.