Philadelphus Virginal – Mock Orange

Philadelphus Virginal, commonly known as Mock Orange or Sweet Mock Orange, is a classic hardy deciduous flowering shrub prized for its masses of beautifully scented, double white flowers. Blooming from late spring through to midsummer, the graceful arching branches become laden with pure white blossom that releases an intoxicating orange-blossom fragrance, making it one of the most popular scented garden shrubs available.

A reliable and versatile garden plant, Philadelphus Virginal is equally at home in a mixed border, cottage garden, or planted as an informal fragrant hedge. It is a wonderful choice for wildlife-friendly planting, attracting bees, butterflies and other beneficial pollinators throughout the flowering season. This variety holds the prestigious RHS Award of Garden Merit (AGM), recognising its outstanding garden performance.

Growing Conditions:

This robust shrub thrives in full sun to partial shade and adapts well to most well-drained soil types, including chalk, clay, loam and sandy soils. A genuinely low-maintenance plant, Philadelphus Virginal requires minimal care once established. Water regularly during the first growing season, then only during prolonged dry spells. It is fully hardy in the UK climate, tolerating temperatures down to approximately -15°C (RHS Hardiness Rating H5).

Planting Guide:

Plant in a sheltered or exposed position within a garden border, cottage garden, or as a hedge for natural, fragrant screening. Space approximately 1.5–2m apart if planting as a hedge. This fast-growing shrub reaches 2–3m in height with a similar spread at maturity. For best results, plant in autumn or spring when the soil is moist and workable. Prune lightly after flowering by cutting back flowered stems to strong new shoots, which encourages vigorous growth and maintains a compact, tidy shape.

Cultural Information:

• Botanical Name: Philadelphus 'Virginal'


• Common Names: Mock Orange, Sweet Mock Orange, Virginal Mock Orange


• Classification: Hardy Deciduous Shrub


• Fully Grown Height and Spread: 2–3m × 2–3m


• Growth Habit: Upright, Arching Deciduous Shrub


• Perfect For: Borders, Cottage Gardens, Informal Hedges, Specimen Planting, Wildlife Gardens


• Flowering Time: Late Spring to Midsummer (June–July)


• Flower Colour: Double White


• Planting Position: Full Sun to Partial Shade


• Soil Type: Most Well-Drained Soils including Chalk, Clay, Loam and Sand


• Hardiness: Fully Hardy (RHS H5)


• Attracts: Bees, Butterflies and Beneficial Pollinators


• Type: Hardy Deciduous Shrub


• Foliage: Mid-Green, Oval, Pointed Leaves


• Award: RHS Award of Garden Merit (AGM)

What is Included:

Supplied as 1 x garden-ready Philadelphus Virginal plant in a 2 litre root-ball, ready for immediate outdoor planting.