Philadelphus polyanthus Mont Blanc - Mock Orange

The Philadelphus polyanthus 'Mont Blanc' is a variety of white Mock Orange well suited to small gardens. Not very tall, not very bulky, it remains graceful and pleasantly fragrant. Its flowers are single, modest, enhanced by a cluster of yellow stamens. The bush is vigorous and floriferous, with an upright habit. It thrives in any soil, even limestone, in all exposures and all areas. Plant your mock oranges in the second or third row of your shrub beds or your country hedges because their prime period, although unforgettable, is not very long!

The Philadelphus are all deciduous bushes native to temperate regions of the northern hemisphere, particularly East Asia and North America. The approximately 60 species that make up this genus were first crossed in France by Jacques and Lemoine, then in the United States, with the fragrance of the flowers sometimes being forgotten in favour of varieties with more spectacular double blooms. Undemanding, mock oranges are occasionally slow to establish. They will need to be regularly pruned after flowering to remain floriferous. They belong to the Hydrangea family.

The 'Mont Blanc' mock orange is a horticultural hybrid. The bush has an irregular upright habit, with the stems slightly arching at their tips. It has rapid growth, reaching an average height of 1.20 m (4ft) with a width of 60-70 cm. Its single flowers, 4 to 5 cm (2in) in diameter, bloom in June-July, sometimes as early as May, depending on the climate. They are gathered in charming clusters. They release a sweet fragrance reminiscent of orange blossoms. Its leaves are abundant, slightly toothed, 4 to 8 cm (2 to 3in) long, a dark green that enhances the flowers. They are ovate in shape, pointed at the tip. The foliage falls in winter.

Rediscover mock oranges; they are simple bushes surrounded by such symbolism that they once reigned in every garden. The poet's jasmine, adapted to all types of gardens, very easy to grow, is ideal for beginner gardeners. This small-sized Mont Blanc variety will be perfect when combined with other shrubs in a bed or a small flowering hedge. Since its flowering period is relatively short, consider pairing it with shrubs that have earlier or later blooming: Deutzia, Dwarf Buddleias, Forsythia, Caryopteris, summer lilac, Japanese quince, and shrub roses. Let a small herbaceous clematis climb in its branches, as this will give a wild and charming look to your mock orange. Its white flowering also allows beautiful combinations with perennial plants with blue flowers (or white, to enhance the beauty of an evening garden).