Philadelphus belle etoile is a beautiful flowering plant that originated in France. It is a member of the hydrangea family and is known for its large, showy flowers that bloom in the summertime. The plant is relatively easy to care for and does not require much maintenance.
Related plant:
Philadelphus Coronarius Aureus
About soil condition, Philadelphus Belle Etoile requires well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. The plant prefers a pH range between 6.0 and 7.5. The soil should be moist but not soggy, as the plant is susceptible to root rot.
Just like other Philadelphus species, the Philadelphus belle etoile does best in full sun to partial shade. It is a fairly drought-tolerant plant once it is established, but it will bloom more profusely if it is given regular water. This shrub can be trained as a small tree if the lower branches are removed.
The temperature condition for Philadelphus belle etoile is cool to cold. This plant prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. It is drought tolerant once established. Philadelphus belle etoile can tolerate temperatures as low as -20 degrees Fahrenheit.
Ideal humidity condition for this plant is 50% As long as the relative humidity stays above 40%, this plant will do well. If the relative humidity falls below 40%, the leaves will start to turn brown and drop off.
Regarding fertilizer, this plant is not very demanding. A little bit of compost or well-rotted manure incorporated into the planting hole is really all that is needed. Regarding the roots, they are not very deep, so you don't need to worry about planting them too deeply. Just make sure that the roots are not exposed to the sun or they will dry out.
Pruning is an important part of maintaining your Philadelphus belle étoile. Pruning not only helps to control the plants size, but also promotes new growth and encourages the plant to produce more flowers. When pruning, be sure to remove any dead or damaged branches. It is also a good idea to thin out the stems to promote air circulation and prevent the plant from becoming too dense.
Propagation of Philadelphus belle etoile is best done through softwood cuttings taken in late spring or early summer. The cuttings should be taken from new growth that is just beginning to harden off and should be about 4-6 inches in length. Cuttings should be taken from the side of the plant that is receiving the most sunlight. To prepare the cuttings, strip off the lower leaves and dip the cut end in rooting hormone. Plant the cuttings in a pot filled with moistened potting mix and place the pot in a bright location but out of direct sunlight. Keep the potting mix moist but not wet and in 4-6 weeks the cuttings should have rooted and can be transplanted into individual pots.
Usually, the plant growth rate depends on the variety. Some grow more quickly than others. The average growth rate for this plant is about 10 to 12 inches per year. So, in a year, a plant that is two feet tall can be expected to grow to be about three feet tall.
Common problems for this kind of plant are infrequent. They include diseases such as powdery mildew and root rot. These problems are usually caused by too much moisture or not enough drainage. Pests such as aphids, thrips, and whiteflies can also be a problem for this plant.
Source:
The Best Philadelphus - Harvard University
Philadelphus coronarius - University of Connecticut
Species Descriptions - Burke Herbarium Image Collection
