How to Grow Philadelphus Virginal - Plant Care & Tips

By NorwichGardener Team   /   2024

Philadelphus virginal is a plant that is native to North America. It is a deciduous shrub that can grow up to 8 feet tall. The leaves are ovate shaped and have a toothed margin. The flowers are white and have a diameter of about 1 inch. The blooming period is from June to July.

How to Grow Philadelphus Virginal - Plant Care & Tips

Alternative name

  • Snowbell
  • Brideweed
  • Wedding Flower
  • Sweet William
  • Mock Orange

Basic info

  • Philadelphus virginal is a deciduous shrub native to eastern North America.
  • It typically grows to 6-12’ (less frequently to 15’) tall with a spread of 6-12’.
  • ovate to lanceolate, dark green leaves (to 4” long) have crenate to serrate margins.
  • Fragrant, 4-petaled, white flowers (each to 1” across) bloom in axillary clusters in late spring to early summer.
  • Flowers are followed by spherical, black fruit (drupes to ½” across) that ripen in late summer.
  • Best flower production occurs on young plants.
  • Fruit is attractive to birds.
  • Prefers full sun to part shade, moist, well-drained soils.
  • Tolerates light shade, a wide range of soils, and occasional wet conditions.
  • North American Indians used an infusion of the root bark for treating colds and fevers.

Related plant:
Philadelphus Coronarius Aureus

Planting Process

  1. For philadelphus virginal, first step is to find a well-drained location.
  2. Prepare the soil by loosening it with a spade or hoe.
  3. Add organic matter to the soil to improve drainage and aeration.
  4. Next, dig a hole that is twice the width and depth of the roots ball.
  5. Place the plant in the hole and backfill it with soil.
  6. Firm the soil around the plant to remove any air pockets.
  7. Water the plant deeply to settle the roots into the soil.
  8. Apply a 2-inch layer of mulch around the plant to help retain moisture.
  9. water the plant regularly, especially during the first growing season.
  10. Fertilize the plant once a year with a balanced fertilizer.

Related plant:
Philadelphus Belle Etoile

Soil Requirement

About soil condition, philadelphus virginal grows best in moist to wet soil, with good drainage. It also prefer full sun to part shade location. It is not advisable to plant this tree in dry, sandy soil.

Light requirement

Like the other Philadelphus varieties, ‘Virgin’ prefers full sun to part shade and soil that is moist but well-drained. It is a somewhat fragile shrub and should be protected from strong winds. It blooms on old wood, so prune immediately after flowering.

Ideal Temperature

The temperature condition of Philadelphus virginal is that it prefers full sun to partial shade and soil that is moist but well-drained. It is a plant that is native to Missouri and can be found in woodlands, fields, and along roadsides. The plant will tolerates a wide range of soil conditions, but it prefers rich, loamy soil that is high in organic matter. It can also tolerate some drought once it is established.

Humidity Level

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is 50% and above. Any lower and the leaves will start to droop and the plant will become stressed. Philadelphus Virginalis is a hardy shrub, however, and will bounce back quickly when provided with the correct conditions.

Fertilizer Requirement

Regarding fertilizer, this plant is not very demanding. A little bit of compost dug into the soil before planting is adequate. Once established, a light annual application of compost or composted manure is all that is needed to keep it looking its best. As for the roots, they are relatively shallow and don't need a lot of room to spread out. Just be sure to water it regularly during the first few growing seasons to help get it established.

Light requirement

Pruning philadelphus virginal is important to maintain the plant's shape and prevent it from becoming overgrown. When pruning, be sure to remove any dead or diseased branches, as well as any branches that are growing in an undesirable direction. It is also important to thin out the plant to allow for adequate airflow and prevent the plant from becoming too dense.

Plant Propagation

Propagation for Philadelphus virginal is best done through stem cuttings taken from new growth in late spring or early summer. Cuttings should be about 6 inches long and taken from the tips of the stems. After taking the cuttings, strip off the lower leaves and dip the cut end in rooting hormone. Place the cuttings in a pot filled with moistened potting mix and place in a bright, indirect light location. Keep the soil moist but not soggy and in 4-6 weeks the cuttings should have rooted and new growth will be visible.

Growth Rate

Usually, the plant growth rate studies have been conducted in controlled environment chambers with idealized nutrient solutions. While these studies have found that the average philadelphus virginal growth rate is between 1 and 2 cm/day, it is likely that the growth rate is slower in the field.

Basic Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are bacterial leaf spots, powdery mildew, and root rot. These problems are most likely to occur when the plant is grown in too much shade, with too little air circulation, or in excessively moist conditions. To avoid these problems, make sure to plant philadelphus virginal in an area that receives full sun and has good air circulation. If you live in an area with high humidity, make sure to water the plant only when the soil is dry to the touch.

Basics of Growing

  • If you live in an area with cold winters, it's best to plant your philadelphus virginal in the spring.
  • Choose a spot in your garden that gets full sun.
  • Prepare the soil by adding organic matter such as compost or well-rotted manure.
  • Dig a hole that is twice the width of the plant's root ball.
  • Place the plant in the hole and backfill with soil.
  • Water the plant deeply and regularly during the first growing season.
  • Apply a layer of mulch around the plant to help retain moisture.
  • Prune away any dead or damaged branches in late winter or early spring.
  • Fertilize your plant with a balanced fertilizer in early spring.
  • Enjoy the sweet fragrance of your philadelphus virginal all summer long!

Related Plants

  • Philadelphus coronarius is a perennial shrub that is part of the Philadelphus genus.
  • Philadelphus beaumontii is a species of plant in the Philadelphus genus.
  • Philadelphus calleryi is a species of plant in the Philadelphus genus.
  • Philadelphus calycinus is a species of plant in the Philadelphus genus.
  • Philadelphus coryi is a species of plant in the Philadelphus genus.
  • Philadelphus elongatus is a species of plant in the Philadelphus genus.
  • Philadelphus hirsutus is a species of plant in the Philadelphus genus.
  • Philadelphus inodorus is a species of plant in the Philadelphus genus.
  • Philadelphus lewisii is a species of

Source:
Philadelphus coronarius - University of Connecticut
The Best Philadelphus - Harvard University
Species Descriptions - Burke Herbarium Image Collection

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