By Panthera
Cheshire,
United Kingdom 
Please could you tell me what this very fragrant,very large shrub is? I know that it isn't Mock Orange(Philadelphus Virginal), as it only has a single layer of petals. I have looked everywhere, online, for anything re: "Orange Blossom" but no luck in relation to my very tall, flowering shrub.
I'm in the process of making wine with some of the blossoms from this shrub but Ive become somewhat hesitant just in case the blossom is poisonous !
Please advise if you can.
Many thanks
Regards ~ Jennifer A Spencer
8 Jul, 2012
Answers
i thought philadelphus too but there are several different sorts, mine has the single layer too, but one of mine has a deep red/purple centre.
8 Jul, 2012
What about philadelphus coronarius, i seem to remember its one i was thinking of getting a few years ago which looks very similar to this one.
9 Jul, 2012
No idea which one of the many philadelphus it is, I can only say that I am sure that philadelphus is what it is.
I have never heard of 'wine-making' from philadelphus , but then my taste is ...french & red!
9 Jul, 2012
It's definately a philadelphus but as mentioned, there's several similar species.
Avalanche and Belle etois are two other favourites
9 Jul, 2012
Why don't you ask Thepoisongarden on this site - he has the knowledge.
9 Jul, 2012
Philadelphus doesn't appear in any of my reference books (I checked because I'd never heard of it as poisonous).
That's not the same as saying you'll be able to make a pleasant wine from it.
Over time, mankind has tried just about everything to make alcohol from so you might find out there is a reason no-one makes Philadelphus wine.
9 Jul, 2012
Definately a Philadelphus, but not Belle etoile, that has a slight red blush at the base of the petals. I think it is more likely to coronarius or erectus. P. virginal tends to be double flowered so I doubt it thats form. It depends on how old the shrub is. And also the height.
9 Jul, 2012
Thank you so much to all of those who have responded so far.
I now realise, through your comments, that my shrub is a Philadelphus Coronarius ( Mock Orange ). You all put me on the right track !
Thank you also to the Poisongarden for looking through your reference books - so helpful. I will give the wine a try.The addition of 250ml of grape juice should add substance, as recommended in the recipe. Point taken about "no-one makes Philadelphus wine". That made me laugh !
9 Jul, 2012
Hi, I thinks it IS a Philadelphus but not Virginal. Sorry to not have been more help.
8 Jul, 2012