£4.72 – £7.07Price range: £4.72 through £7.07
Philadelphus ‘Virginal’, the beloved Mock Orange, graces UK gardens with abundant, fragrant double white flowers from late spring to early summer. This deciduous shrub is a beautiful, wildlife-friendly addition, offering both visual charm and a captivating sweet scent for borders or as a specimen.
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Philadelphus ‘Virginal’ is a spectacular deciduous shrub, celebrated for its prolific, double white flowers and exquisite, sweet fragrance that enchants UK gardens.
Discover the timeless charm of Philadelphus ‘Virginal’, often known as Mock Orange. This popular shrub offers a breathtaking display of pure white blossoms, creating an unforgettable sensory experience in late spring and early summer. Furthermore, its delightful perfume drifts gently on the breeze, making it a truly captivating addition to any garden space. It stands as a testament to classic garden beauty.
The magnificent Philadelphus ‘Virginal’ provides a stunning focal point within many UK gardens. This particular cultivar earns its name, ‘Virginal’, from the pristine, pure white appearance of its abundant double flowers. These elegant blossoms truly create a cloud of white. Its popular common name, Mock Orange, also hints at its strong, orange-blossom-like perfume. The genus Philadelphus itself honours Philadelphus, an ancient Egyptian king. He was renowned for his love of plants and gardens.
As a deciduous shrub, Philadelphus ‘Virginal’ sheds its leaves in autumn. It then prepares for a new burst of life in spring. Lush green foliage emerges, forming an attractive backdrop for the spectacular floral display. In late spring and early summer, typically from May into July, the plant becomes laden with exquisite, cup-shaped, double white flowers. Each bloom contributes to a mesmerising spectacle. Moreover, the strong, sweet perfume released by these flowers truly intoxicates. It draws in a host of beneficial garden visitors. Bees and butterflies are particularly fond of these fragrant blooms. This makes Philadelphus ‘Virginal’ an excellent choice for a wildlife-friendly garden.
Gardeners often utilise this robust shrub for various purposes. It performs wonderfully as a stand-alone specimen, allowing its full beauty to be appreciated. Furthermore, you can integrate it into mixed borders. Its white flowers contrast beautifully with other plants there. Many also plant it to form an informal hedge or screen. This offers both privacy and an aromatic boundary. Regular pruning helps maintain its vigour and shape. This ensures a bountiful display each year. Pruning is best done immediately after flowering, as the plant blooms on old wood. Thus, Philadelphus ‘Virginal’ truly is a versatile and rewarding plant for any UK garden. It delivers both visual splendour and a captivating aroma.
Hardy in all of the UK and northern Europe. Suitable for exposed sites.
Philadelphus 'Virginal' thrives with minimal fuss once established. Plant in moist, well-drained soil in full sun to partial shade. Water regularly during dry spells, especially in its first year. Prune immediately after flowering to remove old, flowered stems and encourage strong new growth from the base, ensuring a spectacular display next season.
This plant is deciduous so it will lose all of its leaves in the autumn and get fresh new foliage each spring.


