Philadelphus Manteau dHermine - Mock Orange

The Philadelphus 'Hermine's Mantle' is an ancient variety of mock orange withstood trends and epochs without ageing. This bush, the glory of spring, has a low habit, with a curiously trailing mass supported by long, flexible branches that bend under a multitude of double, white-cream flowers with an enchanting fragrance in May-June. Rediscover mock oranges; they are simple bushes but steeped in such symbolism that they once reigned, dishevelled, impenetrable, sometimes graceless but exuding such an elegant and subtle fragrance, in every plain or mountain garden, from north to south of our country!

The genus Philadelphus belongs to the hydrangea family. The 'Hermine's Mantle' is a horticultural hybrid obtained by Victor Lemoine in 1898 and awarded in England by the Royal Horticultural Society for its ornamental qualities and performance in the garden. It is a compact bush with a low, umbrella-like habit, almost weeping and fast-growing. At maturity, around 10 years old, it reaches a medium height of 1m (3ft), with a spread of 1m (3ft) 50cm. It blooms for about 3 weeks in May-June, with a beautiful floral fragrance. Each double flower, 4cm (2in) wide, is composed of numerous white-cream petals but devoid of stamens. They are gathered in small clusters of 3 one-year-old branches, distinctly bent, creating a slightly disordered but charming fountain. The deciduous foliage appears in spring. Its colour is a relatively light, bright green. The small leaves are entire, ovate with pointed tips, slightly toothed at the edges. They measure about 2.5cm (1in) long and turn yellow in autumn before falling.

Philadelphus, sometimes called poet's jasmine, are robust and perfectly hardy bushes that thrive in all types of soil. They resist everything, even summer droughts, but prefer freshness at their feet. 'Hermine's Mantle' is well suited for mass plantings and small hedges, whether formal or informal, but you can also choose to plant it as a specimen in a small garden. For example, associate it with shrubby lavenders, Caryopteris, Abelia, Deutzia, bush roses or dwarf lilacs.