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How long until my philadelphus/ mock orange flowers?
AbiM
Posts: 17
I bought an unspecified variety of philadelphus three years ago, on a whim, from a DIY store.
It's growing well, older stems are about 3m tall, this year's growth is about thigh height, all looking lush and green. It's by a sunny south-facing fence, normal acidity, moisture etc.
So how long should I give it, before admitting that buying from a DIY store was a silly idea, and pulling it up?
0
Posts
Abi - mine flowered in their second year, and they were from cuttings from a bush at my old house. Sorry, thats probably not what you wanted to hear
So it sounds like it should have got to a flowering point by now, doesn't it? How disappointing!
But I'd rather know, and not waste time nurturing it, so thank you!
The Mock Orange - Philadelphus varieties - are well known for their heady scent - especially on an early summer morning or evening! Correct pruning is essential for this group of early summer flowering shrubs.
Prune too early and you will lose the flower buds for the current year. Prune too late and the shrub will not have enough time in the growing season to provide flowering stems for the following year. Don't panic - we are here with information and advice upon when and how to prune your Philadelphus.
There are several Philadelphus - Mock Oranges - that need regular annual pruning in order to flower well with a spectacular display in early summer. We take you through the simple procedure of pruning Philadelphus to ensure that you have a stunning show of pure white flowers year after year.
Philadelphus Belle Etoile - One of the less vigorous varieties, noted for the light purple centre to the pure white flower. © David Hughes 2008
Most shrubs that flower at this time of year (early summer - image taken 17th June) depend upon flowering stems that were grown by the plant in the previous year (Growing season). If you prune Philadelphus too late - late summer or autumn- fall - for instance, then the shrub will not have enough time to make flowering stems
Hope this helps
I think I pruned in late summer, just cutting out sideways growing branches and leaving upright stems, just aesthetic pruning! Would this have made a difference? I probably took out a quarter of the stems.
You could have cut a few potential flowers off Abi but there ought to be some on the upright stems. It doesn't sound like a pruning error
I had a wiegela like this. Lovely shape, had it for years, never flowered.
In the sticks near Peterborough
I do like the shape... not sure if enough for a reprieve though!
Have you researched feeding it?
I bought mine 4 years ago - very small - and it flowered for the first time last year. You may yet be lucky...
Don't prune until after your first flowering, which could be this year yet. Mine haven't flowered yet, and I am in the south. Prune flowering stems as soon as they finish, and you will get flowers the following year. Do't give up yet, they are pretty reliable, with the emphasis on pretty.