Totally agree with Greenlane! I have three old Philadelphus - one of which is Belle Etoile - the perfume of all three knocks your socks off! Three others bought within last two years - including Virginal [bought specifically for scent] have little or an even unpleasantly antiseptic smell - one was bought online, stupid really as you should sniff before you buy, but the other two seemed to smell lovely, but don't now - I certainly think doubles are less scented anyway.
Hi, can anyone tell me where I can buy the 'Manteau dHermine' variety? Its scented flowers really remind me of the lovely fragrance of Sampaguita, the Philippines' national flower.
Christine As with all things it is best to prune sensitively! Try and keep it looking as loose and natural as possible rather than hacking it back into a tight clump: the plant will forgive most indignities! Best to cut back the older wood leaving the young to have itys day. Pansyface I prefer Belle etoile.
It was extremely interesting for me to read this blog. Thanx for it. I like such topics and everything that is connected to this matter. I definitely want to read more on that site soon.
I bought a Belle Etoile Philadelphus in 2002 and kept it in a pot in my north facing courtyard. It flowered the first year and has never produced flowers (bar one) since. In 2007, I planted it in our new garden against a partially sunny wall hoping that this would give it the impetus to flower. No joy. The plant is approx 45cm high, full of beautiful green leaves, with very little "wood". It has never been pruned as there is very little to take off. Any ideas why it is so slow growing (8 years) and why it doesn't flower? Ted
I wonder if you can help? I have a philadelphus which has finally flowered after 4 years (I gave it an ultimatum and a good strong pruning) but while the flowers were gorgeous, not a hint of their lovely perfume. Why is this and can I do anything for next year?
My gardener, to be helpful, has just cut down my philadelphus to about 3feet. It was pretty old, and the stems were very woody - I was intending to cut out some of the older stems, but he must have misunderstood, and now all I have is a clump of very short stems. There is now a large space in my garden, which was previously filled by this lovely tree. Can anyone please tell me if this will grow again?
Posts
As with all things it is best to prune sensitively! Try and keep it looking as loose and natural as possible rather than hacking it back into a tight clump: the plant will forgive most indignities!
Best to cut back the older wood leaving the young to have itys day.
Pansyface
I prefer Belle etoile.
Mary Stepman
Ted