Littleleaf Mock Orange
Philadelphus microphyllus
Family: Hydrangeaceae
What it is like
Philadelphus microphyllus is a deciduous Shrub growing to 1.2 m (4ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6. It is in flower in June. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and can grow in heavy clay and nutritionally poor soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very alkaline soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.
Height (m): 1.2
Where it is found
Dry rocky places in sunny rocky canyons and piñon-juniper woodland, 1200 - 3000 metres.
Western N. America - Utah and Colorado to California and New Mexico.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 1
Fruit. Formerly used as food. No more details are given.
Medicine
Rating: 0
Other
Rating:
The leaves are rich in saponins, when crushed and mixed with water they produce a lather that is an effective cleaner, used on the body, clothes etc. You can wash your hands by merely picking a couple of leaves or a bunch of blossom, wetting your hands and then rubbing the plant material vigorously as if it was a bar of soap. This soap is a very gentle cleaner that does not remove the body's natural oils, but does remove dirt. It is not very effective against oil.
Soap: Plants used directly as a soap substitute.
Scented Plants: Plants noted for their scent
How it is grown
Easily grown in any moderately fertile preferably dry soil, succeeding in thin soils over chalk and tolerating poor soils. Grows well in heavy clay soils. Succeeds in semi-shade but prefers a position in full sun where it will flower more freely. Hardy to about -20°c. Plants grow best in the east and south-east of Britain, they are shy to flower in gardens with cool summers. Plants are very tolerant of pruning, one third of the stems can be cut down to the ground each year in order to promote fresh growth and heavier flowering. A very ornamental plant with aromatic flowers smelling of pineapples.
Propagating it: Seed - best if given 1 months cold stratification. Sow February in a light position in a cold frame. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, 7 - 10cm long side-shoots, July/August in a shaded frame. Plant out in spring. High percentage. Cuttings of mature wood of the current year's growth, 15 - 25cm with a heel, December in a sheltered bed outdoors. Fair to good percentage. Layering in summer. Very easy.
Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade;
Habit: Shrub
Hardiness: 5-9
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: Semi-shade, no shade
Moisture: Dry, moist