One of the easiest and most beautiful sources of fragrant summer blooms and attractive winter color is the beloved Mockorange tree. This small, elegant tree keeps the color coming all summer, and each bloom is heavily perfumed with the irresistible scent of orange blossoms! Then, after the leaves fall in autumn, the peeling orangey-brown bark keeps the garden colorful right through the dead of winter. The perfect accent for the bulb garden, this Mockorange is essential for all lovers of big, fragrant flowers.
Mockorange blossoms have been decorating June weddings for centuries, and one whiff tells you why! Not only are these 2-inch white blooms lovely, but their fragrance is simply irresistible. Sweet without being cloying, it has a fresh citrus zing that is really delightful!
The tree (or large shrub) reaches just 8 feet tall and 6 feet wide at maturity, so it won't take over the garden, yet is majestic enough to form a solitary accent when the bulbs aren't blooming. Very drought tolerant, it's nearly as carefree as your bulbs, and every bit as beautiful! Expect the blooms to continue all summer, making a nice counterpart to unscented flowering bulbs such as Bearded Irises and Alliums. Or use it as a succession planting to the spring bloomers, with perhaps a sea of Daylilies offering summer color and cover-up for the dying Daffodil and Tulip foliage!
Plant Mockorange 'Virginal' in full sun and rich, well-drained soil. It makes an unforgettable perimeter planting, and flanks the garden entry or pathway beautifully! Zones 5-8.
