This one is one my favorite shrubs, even though it's not showy after spring. I bought this one a few years ago but I'm not sure if it's a cultivar or not, the flowers are quarter size and highly fragrant. I do have another one that is really old, but the flowers on it are twice the size and not fragrant at all.
Mmm - I wonder if that's what I used to have (as a kid) in Michigan - is it also called Sweet Flowering Almond? I bet it's lovely...
...or is it Mock Orange?
Kim
Two common names are Mock Orange and English Dogwood. I don't quite understand why knowledgeable people on this forum post only the botanical name. I understand the need for specificity, but wouldn't more people be served if both the botanical and common names were used? Just a thought. E-guy, it is a wonderful plant that does sucker, but that can be a good thing, especially in a woodland setting. Nice plant. I propagate it, and donate it to fundraisers. People always buy it. Thanks for citing it.
peony - maybe it's to avoid confusion? Just an idea.
English Dogwood is Cornus sanguinea. Use of this name for Philadelphus is an error.
Resin
I can see reasons why botanical name is used. Common names cause many confusion. I regconized the plant for I just newly acquired one this past weeks from the B'ham Botanical Garden's plant sales. Mockorange pertains to more than one plants. The other I've seen was interestingly 'thorny'. Thank you all for sharing.
Kim
I have seen Prunus caroliniana refered to as 'Mock Orange' for some strange reason. I just simply call this one 'Philadelphus'.
I'm not terribly familiar with the mockoranges. I have one called Philadelphus microphyllus, which is native to the Rocky Mountains. The leaves are small and slightly twisted, and the whole thing might get way too big for where I have it, but the flowers are numerous and make the whole yard smell of bubble gum. Extraordinary.
I understand there are a number of different Philadelphus that do not come with any scent. Why would anybody grow them? Not that they are ugly or that their flowers are not pretty, but it seems that given a choice of one with scent and another without that the issue is a no brainer. Especially when the fragrance is so drop dead incredible!
scott
Most of the ones with less scent are older heirloom varieties.
The one I purchased does have scent. But, for folks like me who are landscaping a very big (5 1/2 acre) yard, if the shrub is going to be way down by my creek, scent isn't an issue. Then I would look for flower appearance and longevity, eventual height of the shrub, etc. It just happened that the one I chose met all my criteria and had scent too (a nice bonus for when I take my "yard tour" lol.
Is 'Nachez' an old heiloom? I love the simplicity of its blooms, and its pristine white, very mild fragrant however. Would it take full sun? but evening shade? I'd like to tuck it in a corner in my front of the house, would it be too large for a small spot?
I'm not familiar with the cultivar. From my experience they look best with afternoon shade. Full sun tends to make the leaves look scorched.
Thank you, I'll find a shadier place for the plant. Appreciate your advice. Happy gardening!
Kim
