Philadelphus purpurascens
Family: Hydrangeaceae
What it is like
Philadelphus purpurascens is a deciduous Shrub growing to 4 m (13ft) by 2 m (6ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6. It is in flower from June to July. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. 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. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.
Height (m): 4
Where it is found
Alpine scrub, 2750 - 3200 metres. Mixed forests, thickets and mountain slopes at elevations of 2200 - 3500 metres.
E. Asia - China from W. Sichuan to N. Yunnan.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 0
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. Plants can be grown as an informal hedge or screen.
Hedge: Plants that can be grown as hedges.
Soap: Plants used directly as a soap substitute.
Hedge: Hedge
How it is grown
Easily grown in any moderately fertile soil, succeeding in thin soils over chalk. Prefers a dry soil. Grows well in heavy clay soils. Tolerates poor soils. Succeeds in semi-shade but prefers a position in full sun where it will flower more freely. Grows well on the woodland edge or in a glade. Hardy to about -15°c. 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.
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; Hedge;
Habit: Shrub
Hardiness: 5-9
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: Semi-shade, no shade
Moisture: Dry, moist