Philadelphus coronarius 'Aureus' (Golden Mock Orange)


Michael's Opinion

This is a nice shrub if you like a bunch of fragrant flowers. The orangy-blossom fragrance is very fresh. This cultivar specifically I like because of its golden yellow leaves. I like that it adds contrast to a garden's colour scheme bringing yellow and white into the garden.

Botanical Information

FamilyHydrangeaceae
GenusPhiladelphus
Speciescoronarius
Cultivar'Aureus'
CategoryWoody
TypeShrub (deciduous)
References
Pronunciation

Details

USDA Hardiness Zone4 to 8
USDA Hardiness Ref.
Canadian Hardiness Zone3
Canada Hardiness Ref.
RHS Hardiness ZoneH7
RHS Hardiness Ref.
Temperature (°C)-35
Temperature (°F)-30
Height2 - 2.5 m
Spread2 m
GrowthFast
Flowering PeriodMay, June

Description and Growing Information

General DescriptionLarge, easy to grow, rounded shrub with clusters of white flowers. Leaves are a golden yellow; specifically a characteristic of this cultivar. Flowers for 2 weeks a year with highly scented flowers.
ID CharacteristicFragrant. Differs from the straight species in that the foliage is yellow and not a dark green. The bark is exfoliating and is orange to reddish brown.
ShapeMedium rounded shrub with straight branches that arch with age.
LandscapeHas a very nice scented, white flower. Some of the floriferous cultivars are more suitable for the modern garden. Good for adding colour as it has yellow leaves.
PropagationTake softwood cuttings in June and July, or hardwood cuttings in autumn or winter.
CultivationNot particular to soil types, transplants easily, prefers light shade as the foliage may burn in full sun. Optimal soil would be well drained and moist. Prune by removing old wood after flowering. Can be cut right to the ground.
PestsRust, powdery mildew, aphids, canker, nematodes and leaf miner and leaf spots.
HabitatHorticultural origin.
Bark/Stem DescriptionReddish brown to orange exfoliating.
Flower/Leaf Bud DescriptionSolitary, in one place, does not have terminal dominance, with 2 nearly valvate, mostly hairy scales.
Leaf Description4-10 cm long, 1.5-5 cm wide, yellow foliage. Opposite growth pattern, ovate to ovate-oblong, rounded at the base.
Flower DescriptionPerfect; with 4 sepals, multiple stamens, 4 petals, very fragrant, white, 2.5-4 cm across. Flowers from May to early June.
Fruit DescriptionPersistant capsule with many seeds; dehiscent.
Colour DescriptionYellow leaves, white flowers, orange to reddish brown bark; exoliating white with age.
Texture DescriptionA bit coarse during all seasons.

Photographs