Philadelphus virginalis Mrs E.L. Robinson - Mock Orange

The Philadelphus 'Mrs E.L. Robinson' is a variety of white mock orange bush with a compact habit and generous flowering. In early summer, the branches of this shrub gracefully bend under the weight of the pure white single to semi-double flowers, which are gathered in highly fragrant clusters. It is ornamental in borders or pots near the house or on a terrace, where one can enjoy its powerful and delightful scent reminiscent of orange blossom. Robust and undemanding, this shrub has its rightful place in romantic settings or cottage gardens. 

The Philadelphus are all deciduous shrubs native to temperate regions of the northern hemisphere, particularly East Asia and North America. The approximately 60 species that make up this genus have been cross-bred with each other, initially in France by Lemoine and Jacques and then in the United States, sometimes sacrificing the fragrance of the flowers in favour of more spectacular, double-flowered varieties. Mock oranges are undemanding plants that can take time to establish themselves. They should be regularly pruned after flowering, removing the oldest stems, to maintain an attractive habit and ensure abundant flowering.

The mock orange 'Mrs E.L. Robinson'  is a complex horticultural hybrid derived from Philadelphus x virginalis, likely due to cross-breeding.

It is a bushy shrub with a dense habit, reaching an average height of 1.2 m (4ft) with a diameter of 1.5 m (5ft) at maturity. Its growth rate is moderate. Its small, single, semi-double flowers, measuring 3 cm (1in), bloom in June-July. They are grouped in light clusters of 5 to 9 charming flowers. They are numerous and release a highly distinctive fragrance that perfumes the garden with the scent of orange blossom, which is why it is sometimes called the "poet's jasmine". The deciduous leaves are dark green, slightly serrated, and 4 to 10 cm (2 to 4in) long. Their ovate shape characterises them, with pointed tips and lighter longitudinal veins running through the lamina. The shrub is leafless in winter.

The mock orange, adapted to all types of gardens and very easy to grow, is ideal for beginner gardeners. It thrives when planted in a sunny or partially shaded location and can tolerate ordinary, even chalky soil. It is perfect for the background of mixed borders, combined with other shrubs, as a flowering country hedge, or even grown in a container. Consider planting it near the house, terrace, or pathways to enjoy its intense fragrance. Planted in partial shade, it will brighten the garden with the whiteness of its flowers. As its flowering period is relatively short, pairing it with shrubs that flower earlier or later (Deutzia, Buddleia, Forsythia, Japanese quince, lilac, Fatsia) is advisable. Allow a clematis or a climbing rose with flexible branches to climb through its somewhat rigid branches; they will give your mock orange a wild and charming look. Its white flowering also allows for beautiful combinations with perennial plants with blue flowers (or white, for the beauty of an evening garden).