Quick Guide: summer, hardy, full sun, height: 2.7m/9ft, width: 2m/6ft6in

White-flowered shrubs are an important element in gardens and the philadelphus or mock orange is a popular choice, not only for the attraction of its abundant blooms but also because of its delicious scent. The species and hybrids vary in size and habit, but a11 are summer-flowering and have mid-green oval leaves.

GROWING Plant between autumn and spring in fertile welldrained soil, preferably in full sun. The exception is the golden-leaved Philadelphus coronarius `Aureus', which prefers semi-shade to retain foliage colour. Prune after flowering by cutting back flowered shoots to a developing shoot which will flower the following year. Cut weak growths right back.

PROPAGATION Take 10cm/4in half-ripe cuttings in Summer and place in a peat/sand mixture in a cold frame. Transfer the rooted cuttings to a nursery bed the following spring and plant out in the autumn. -

SPECIES P. corortarius, vigorous grower, good on dry soils; P. microphyllus, neat at 60 x 60cm/24 x 24in, suitable for rock gardens. Many good garden hybrids are available. Try `Manteau d'Hermine' (above), 90cm/3ft high, double, creamy flowers; `Belle Etoile', 1.5m/5ft, intensely fragrant white flowers flushed red in the centre; `Virginal', 2.4m/8ft, double, white flowers.

POSSIBLE PROBLEMS Leaf spot.