There's the most gorgeous scent chez VP Gardens for this month's Blooms Day because you've arrived here at the peak time for my mock orange, Philadelphus 'Virginal'. Most of the year she lurks at the back of the border because without flowers she's easy to overlook, but at this time of the year the flowers and scent are simply knockout. We've had a little bit of rain the past few days (welcome after 2 months of near drought) and the ensuing humidity has served to deepen the rich, citrusy scent even more.
The buds are attractive too and soon the petals will fall from those blooms already open to spread themselves like confetti beneath the nearby apple tree.
This is a fully hardy, easycare deciduous shrub suitable for the back of the border. It doesn't mind lime and clay, so it's ideal for the conditions here in Wiltshire. It's in a relatively shaded part of my garden, though it will stand well in sunshine too. I've neglected it dreadfully over the years and I often consider taking it out completely, but then for around a month each year it blooms and all is forgiven. I haven't pruned it for years and it still blooms like this, in profusion, which tells me it's earned its keep. This year it will be pruned straight after flowering's finished as that part of the garden is overcrowded now with moss beginning to grow along some of the branches which tells me I need to thin them to let the air circulate. I'll take out around one quarter of its stems after flowering and pray it doesn't sulk on me.
Do you have any plants that thrive for you despite neglecting their care? Perhaps we need to compile a list to aid other gardeners!
Garden Bloggers Blooms Day is hosted by Carol at May Dreams Gardens.