Mock Orange (Philadelphus ‘Belle Etoile’)

Mock Orange

Features and Characteristics

Philadelphus is a genus of about 40 species of deciduous shrubs commonly called mockoranges from Eastern Europe to the Himalayas, East Asia and North and Central America. They are grown for their fragrant flowers.

Genus name comes from the Greek word philadelphus meaning loving one’s brother or sister. A Grecian and Roman family name. New York Botanical Garden suggests that the genus name instead comes from Ptolemy Philadelphus, a king of the third century B.C.

Common name refers to the sweetly fragrant flowers which, in single-flowered form, generally resemble orange blossoms.

‘Belle Etoile’ is a deciduous shrub that grows 5-6′ tall. Features fragrant, four-petaled, single white flowers (to 5″ diameter) with maroon center blotches which appear in clusters (racemes) in late spring. Oval leaves (to 2″ long).

Care and Maintenance

Easily grown in average, medium moisture, well-drained soils in full sun to light shade. Tolerates a wide range of soils except poorly-drained ones. Prefers moist, organically rich soils. Flowers appear on prior year’s growth, so prune as needed immediately after flowering. May be cut to the ground (also just after flowering) if shrub becomes scraggly, unkempt or otherwise in need of rejuvenation.

Mock Orange (Philadelphus ‘Belle Etoile’) Requirements

Hardiness zone	5 - 8
Sun light	Full Sun To Part Shade
Water	Medium
Maintenance	Low

Common Problems

No serious insect or disease problems. Some susceptibility to leaf spot, canker, powdery mildew and rust. Aphids, nematodes, scale and leaf miners are occasional visitors.

Uses

Foundation plantings, hedges, shrub borders or low screens. This shrub has minimal ornamental interest when not in flower.

Mock Orange (Philadelphus ‘Belle Etoile’) Details

Common name	Mock Orange
Botanical name	Philadelphus 'Belle Etoile'
Plant type	Deciduous Shrub
Family	Hydrangeaceae
Hardiness zone	5 - 8
Water	Medium
Maintenance	Low
Flower color	White With Maroon Blotch
Flowering period	May - June
Height	5 - 6 Ft.
Width	3 - 4 Ft.