91Èȱ¬

Whereas taller forms of mock orange dominate at the back of the border, low-growing varieties are a more suitable choice for small beds or front-of-border positions. Most are related to the dainty species P. microphyllus or its hybrid P. x lemoinei, to which 'Manteau d'Hermine' was once attributed. This is perhaps the most popular dwarf philadelphus, heavily scented with the typical orange-blossom fragrance. It thrives in most soils, even difficult clay and chalk, and makes a mound of foliage studded, in summer, with large double blooms. Cut back shoots to a strong bud each year after flowering. On older plants, remove roughly a quarter of the oldest branches each year to encourage new growth. To propagate, take softwood cuttings in summer or hardwood cuttings in autumn or winter. The Royal Horticultural Society have given it their prestigious Award of Garden Merit.