How to Grow Philadelphus Minnesota Snowflake - Plant Care & Tips

By NorwichGardener Team   /   2024

Philadelphus minnesota snowflake is a plant that originates from North America. It is a perennial plant that can grow to be about 3 feet tall. The snowflake blooms in the summer and its flowers are white.

How to Grow Philadelphus Minnesota Snowflake - Plant Care & Tips

Alternative name

  • Mountain Mock Orange
  • P. glabratus
  • P. floribundus
  • P. montanus
  • P. parvulus

Common Knowledge

  • Philadelphus Minnesota snowflake is a shrub that can grow up to 10 feet tall.
  • It has white flowers that bloom in the spring and summer.
  • The leaves of the Philadelphus Minnesota snowflake are dark green and glossy.
  • It is native to the eastern United States.
  • Philadelphus Minnesota snowflake is tolerant of a wide range of soil types.
  • It prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade.
  • It is reasonably drought tolerant once established.
  • Philadelphus Minnesota snowflake is relatively maintenance free.
  • It is often used as a specimen plant or in mass plantings.
  • It can be propagated by softwood or hardwood cuttings.

Related plant:
Philadelphus Coronarius Aureus

Growing Steps

  1. For philadelphus minnesota snowflake, first step is to start with well-drained soil.
  2. Add organic matter to the soil to help with drainage.
  3. Place the plant in an area where it will get full sun.
  4. Water the plant regularly, making sure to not over-water.
  5. Fertilize the plant regularly with a balanced fertilizer.
  6. Prune the plant regularly to keep it from getting too large.
  7. Deadhead the flowers regularly to encourage new growth.
  8. Divide the plant every few years to keep it healthy.
  9. Watch for pests and diseases and take action if necessary.
  10. Enjoy the beauty of your philadelphus minnesota snowflake!

Related plant:
Philadelphus Little White Love

Soil Condition

About soil condition, the best soil for planting Minnesota Snowflakes is a well-drained soil. The plant does not like to be in waterlogged conditions as this can cause the roots to rot. The plant does best in a humus rich soil that is high in organic matter. The pH of the soil should be slightly acidic to neutral.

Light condition

So, like the other Philadelphus species, the Philadelphus Minnesota Snowflake requires full sun to partial sun to grow and bloom properly. It's best to plant this shrub in an area of the garden that receives at least six hours of sunlight per day. If you live in an area with hot summers, some afternoon shade will be beneficial. This shrub is also quite drought-tolerant once established, so it's a good choice for low-maintenance landscaping.

Good Temperature

The temperature condition in Philadelphus Minnesota Snowflake is perfect for making snow. The snowflakes here are big and fluffy, and they fall gently from the sky. It's the perfect place to spend a winter day.

Humidity Requirement

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is around 50%. It can survive in slightly higher or lower humidity levels but its growth may be stunted. The leaves may also start to drop off if the humidity drops too low.

Fertilizing

About fertilizer, this plant does best with a general-purpose fertilizer that is applied in early spring and again in mid-summer. Use a fertilizer with a low first number and follow the package directions for application. For best results, water the plant deeply and regularly during the growing season. Minnesota Snowflake does not tolerate drought well. The root system is relatively shallow, so be careful not to overwater.

Plant Pruning

Pruning is an important part of keeping your Philadelphus Minnesota Snowflake healthy and looking its best. Pruning will help to encourage new growth and keep the plant from getting too large. When pruning, be sure to remove any dead or diseased branches.

About Propagating

Propagation : Philadelphus Minnesota Snowflake can be propagated by seed, softwood cuttings, or semi-ripe cuttings. Seed: Sow seed in a cold frame in spring. Softwood cuttings: Take cuttings from new growth in late spring or early summer. Semi-ripe cuttings: Take cuttings from semi-ripe wood in late summer.

Plant Growth

Usually, the plant growth rate estimations place the average growth rate at about 10 inches (25 cm) per year. However, there is evidence that this plant can grow much faster under the right circumstances. One study found that one specimen grew 12 inches (30 cm) in a single year. The study also found that the average growth rate for this species is closer to 4-5 inches (10-12.5 cm) per year.

The Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are aphids and powdery mildew. Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that feed on the sap of plants. They can cause stunted growth, curled leaves, and yellowing of the plant. Powdery mildew is a white or grayish powdery fungus that grows on the surface of leaves and stems. It can cause the leaves to become yellow or brown and eventually drop off.

List to Know

  • Make sure to choose a well-draining spot in your garden for your philadelphus plant.
  • Amend the soil with organic matter prior to planting.
  • Water regularly during the growing season and fertilize monthly with a balanced fertilizer.
  • Cut back the plant in late winter or early spring to encourage new growth.
  • Keep an eye out for pests and diseases and treat accordingly.
  • Deadhead spent flowers regularly to encourage continued bloom.
  • Prune lightly after flowering to shape the plant.
  • Shear the plant back hard in early summer to encourage bushier growth.
  • Overwinter indoors in a cool, dry location if you live in an area with harsh winters.
  • Enjoy the sweet fragrance of your philadelphus plant all season long!

Substitution

  • Philadelphus coronarius – Philadelphus coronarius, the sweet mock-orange, is a species of flowering plant in the family Hydrangeaceae, native to southern Europe. It is a shrub growing to 4 m tall. The leaves are opposite, ovate-lanceolate, 10–15 cm long and 5–8 cm broad, with an undulate margin and pubescent above, the flowers are white, 4–5 cm diameter, with up to twenty-five petals and a strong, sweet citrus fragrance. The fruit is a capsule 5–8 mm diameter, containing numerous small seeds. Philadelphus coronarius - information, genetic conservation units and related resources
  • Philadelphus coronarius – Sweet Mock-orange Philadelphus coronarius – Flowers Philadelphus coronarius – Flower
  • Philadelphus lewisii – Philadelphus lewisii, also known as mock orange, is a species

Source:
reviving Philadelphus | Elisabeth C. Miller Library
Philadelphus | Landscape Plants | Oregon State University
Philadelphus x lemoinei - North Carolina State University

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Reviewed & Published by Richelle
Submitted by our contributor
Shrubs Category