Philadelphus coronarius – Sweet mock orange
Origin
The common pipe-shrub (Philadelphus coronarius), also known under the names Bauernjasmin or Duftjasmin, comes from the hydrangea family (Hydrangeaceae) and is widespread from southern Europe to the Caucasus.
growth
In young years the pipe-shrub grows upright. Later, its light brown to grey branches bend two to three metres to all sides in an arch. It grows to a height of three to four metres in a relatively short time.
leaves
The six to nine centimeter large, pale green, deciduous leaves are ovoid and taper at the end. The edge is sawn. The leaves turn yellow in November.
blossoms
The pipe bush is known for its seductive abundance of white grapes consisting of five to ten flowers. From the end of May, the simple flower bowls enchant with a bewitchingly sweet scent reminiscent of jasmine, which is most intense in the evening hours.
fruits
The fruits of the pipe bush are inconspicuous.
Location
Whether sun or semi-shade – the pipe bush copes well with both lighting conditions. In sunny locations, however, the farmer’s jasmine has more flower buds.
ground
The pipe bush actually feels at home in any garden soil. However, it should not be permanently dry. Fragrant jasmine tolerates weakly acidic to strongly alkaline soils.
plantation
Nurseries offer pipe bushes with bales or in containers. If the bales or containers are well rooted, the shrubs can be planted all year round in frost-free weather. The best time for planting is autumn. A farmer’s jasmine grows well if the planting hole is about twice the size of the root ball and is filled up again with the excavated soil after insertion. Slurrying and light tramping of the soil helps.
care
Horn shavings as a pure nitrogen supplier are not suitable for feeding the pipe bush. In the spring, fertilize it better with an organic fertilizer that also supplies the woody plants with phosphorus and potassium. If you see that your scented jasmine is poorly growing and flowering, a second dose at the end of June may be useful.
cut
The pipe bush grows very quickly and bushy, but can be easily kept in the fence through a cut. It is best to cut it immediately after flowering. In order to rejuvenate it, every two to three years about one third of the older shoots are cut close to the ground. They are easily recognized by the furrowed, rough bark. In addition, diseased, damaged or intersecting branches are removed. Young shoots with smooth bark remain standing and should not be shortened because they will flower next year. If your pipe shrub is too big for you, you can also cut it completely. However, you will then have to do without its flowering splendour for the next one to two years.
Utilization
The pipe bush is a solitary plant that looks good in any garden. It also makes itself wonderful in natural hedges between cornel cherry (Cornus mas), lilac (Syringa vulgaris), bridal pine (Spirea x arguta) and wine rose (Rosa rubiginosa). Since it smells very strong, you should choose your place carefully.
varieties
Even in small gardens you don’t have to do without a fragrant pipe bush. Because the two varieties ‘Belle Etoile’ and ‘Dame Blanche’ are only one to one and a half metres high and wide. The variety ‘Erectus’ fits well into smaller hedges with a height of two metres. Those who love filled flowers will be well served with the variety ‘Snowstorm’. The variety ‘Aureus’ has striking golden yellow foliage, whereas ‘Variegatus’ has green and white variegation.
Propagation
You can try to propagate a pipe bush over cuttings. Cut off fresh 15 centimeter long shoots in August. Place the scissors directly under a strong pair of blades. Remove the lower leaves so that the bare stem that comes into the soil is about four to five centimeters long. The leaves on top are shortened by half so that the cuttings evaporate as little moisture as possible. The shoots are put into pots with moist growing soil. A foil hood ensures high humidity. The small plants survive the first winter in their pots in a frost-free, bright place. Even more uncomplicated is the cultivation by wood in winter.
Diseases and pests
In spring the farmer’s jasmine is a found food for the aphids. This is primarily the black bean aphid, which appears punctually on the young shoots. As a rule, the shrub copes well with aphids, so you don’t have to drive up heavy artillery. When the first aphids appear, teas or cold water extracts from stinging nettles usually help to drive the aphids away.
In an interview with our store editor Dieke van Dieken, plant doctor René Wadas reveals his tips against aphids.Credits: Production: Folkert Siemens; Camera and Editing: Fabian Primsch
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I am Don Burke, one of the authors at My Garden Guide. I am a horticulturist that cultivates, grows, and cares for plants, ranging from shrubs and fruits to flowers. I do it in my own garden and in my nursery. I show you how to take care of your garden and how to perform garden landscaping in an easy way, step by step.I am originally from Sydney and I wrote in local magazines. Later on, I have decided, more than two decades ago, to create my own blog. My area of specialization is related to orchid care, succulent care, and the study of the substrate and the soil. Therefore, you will see many articles dedicated to these disciplines. I also provide advice about how to improve the landscape design of your garden.
