Philadelphus virginalis Natchez - Mock Orange

The Philadelphus 'Natchez' is a variety of white Mock Orange with an upright cascading habit that resembles certain spring spireas. It is appreciated for its spectacular early summer flowering, covering its arching branches with large, single to semi-double, slightly crumpled white star-shaped flowers with a light fruity fragrance. While 'Natchez' may not be the most well-known or fragrant of hybrid mock oranges, it is vigorous and floriferous, with lush and abundant foliage that remains attractive even when not in bloom. It thrives in any soil, in any exposure, and in any part of the country. Plant your mock oranges in the second or third row of your shrub borders or large country hedges, as their peak period, while unforgettable, is not very long!

All Philadelphus are 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 were first crossed in France by Jacques and Lemoine and then in the United States, with the fragrance of the flowers sometimes being forgotten along the way in favour of more spectacular, double-flowered varieties. Undemanding mock oranges can sometimes take a while to establish. They should be regularly pruned after flowering to maintain their floriferousness. They belong to the Hydrangea family.

The 'Natchez' mock orange is an American horticultural hybrid derived from Philadelphus (x) virginalis. The bush has an open, somewhat irregular habit, with the branches arching at their ends. Fast-growing, it reaches an average height of 1.6 meters (5 feet) with a diameter of 90 cm (35in) at maturity. Its large, semi-double, star-shaped flowers, measuring 6 to 8 cm (2 to 3in) in diameter, bloom in June-July, sometimes as early as May, depending on the climate. They are gathered in dense, charming clusters. They release a light fragrance with fruity notes. Its deciduous leaves are abundant and slightly toothed, measuring 4 to 10 cm (2 to 4in) in length. Their oval shape characterises them, with pointed tips and lighter longitudinal veins that run through the lamina.

Rediscover mock oranges; they are simple shrubs surrounded by such symbolism that they once dominated every garden in the country. The poet's jasmine, adapted to all types of gardens and very easy to grow, is ideal for beginner gardeners. It enjoys planting in sunny or partially shaded locations and thrives in ordinary soil, even limestone and dry in summer. It would be perfect as a background plant in mixed borders with other shrubs or flowering country hedges. Planted in partial shade or even in shade in hot and sunny climates, it will illuminate the garden with the whiteness of its flowers. As its flowering period is relatively short, pair it with shrubs that flower earlier or later (Deutzia, Buddleia, Forsythia, Caryopteris, lilacs, Faux-aralia). Let a clematis or a climbing rose with flexible branches climb on its slightly stiff branches; they will give your mock orange a wild and charming look. Its white flowers also create beautiful combinations with perennial plants that flower in blue (or white, for the beauty of an evening garden).