I bought two plants common name "Mock Orange"

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Windy Belleville, IL(Zone 6b) Apr 08, 2006

One is a Pittosporum tobira and the other is a Philadelphus x "Belle Etoile" I bought both of these and noticed they have the same common name. What is the difference. I didn't realize there were two different latin names until I compared the plants that I already had at home.
I want to use these plants to screen a view of the neighbors yard to make it more private for both of us. Which is a better screen?

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ferrymead nelson, New Zealand(Zone 9a) Apr 09, 2006

The pittisporum is an evergreen shrub so you will get privacy throughout the year. The philodephus is not an evergreen and will lose its leaves in winter. Well, one which I grew many years ago dropped its leaves, but I grew it for its wonderfully perfumed flowers, it is magical.

Some pittisporums if allowed to grow unchecked can become leggy over time. I have a pittisporum which is a low growing one and will only reach a metre high. I was advised to pinch out each growing tip after I had it in the ground and to give it a hair cut every winter. This will encourage it to bush out and remain well leafed at the bottom as time goies on.

I can only surmise that they both have the common name mock orage, is because they both have white flowers.

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ViburnumValley Scott County, KY(Zone 5b) Apr 09, 2006

And because they both masquerade as Citrus wannabees: 5 petaled perfect, fragrant orange-blossom scented creamy white flowers.

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Windy Belleville, IL(Zone 6b) Apr 09, 2006

Thanksfor the input. I also bought a Viburnum called bridal bouquet. It is still only a baby at under two feet. I decided to get it because it had flowers blooming on it and they smelled nice. I am going to start getting fragrant shrubs as they fill a dual purpose in the garden.

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StarhillForest Illinois, IL(Zone 5b) Apr 10, 2006

Windy, plan carefully. Remember, too many perfumes in one room can gag you! Spread them out, both spatially and temporily.

Guy S.

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Windy Belleville, IL(Zone 6b) Apr 10, 2006

I know what you mean. I have a huge yard and I think they will be ok.
I can't remember what plant I had once and the smell was sickening to me.

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