I am so proud of this beautiful shrub, it has out performed itself this year. (Mock Orange) Philadelphus purpureomaculatus, 'Belle Étoile', is simply stunning and the fragrance is to die for.
As soon as the shrub had finished flowering, cut out all of the stems which have just flowered. Prune them back to around a third of their length.
Every five year I cut it right back to about 3 feet. I know this will effect the growth the following year, but it seems to give the shrub a chance to regenerate.
Be careful of aphids as they love this shrub, spray at the end of May, beginning of June to keep them at bay.
My Mock Orange normally flowers on my wedding anniversary in mid June, but we've had a late summer and it's 2 and a half weeks late.
7 Jul, 2010
I am so proud of this beautiful shrub, it has out performed itself this year. (Mock Orange) Philadelphus purpureomaculatus, 'Belle Étoile', is simply stunning and the fragrance is to die for.
As soon as the shrub had finished flowering, cut out all of the stems which have just flowered. Prune them back to around a third of their length.
Every five year I cut it right back to about 3 feet. I know this will effect the growth the following year, but it seems to give the shrub a chance to regenerate.
Be careful of aphids as they love this shrub, spray at the end of May, beginning of June to keep them at bay.
My Mock Orange normally flowers on my wedding anniversary in mid June, but we've had a late summer and it's 2 and a half weeks late.
7 Jul, 2010