Position
- Full sun or semi-shade
- Plant near paths or seating areas to enjoy the fragrance
Hardiness
- Fully hardy throughout UK
Soil Type
- Well-draining soil
- Enrich with well-rotted manure or garden compost before planting
Soil PH
- Adaptable to most soil conditions
- Grab a soil test kit and ensure the perfect conditions for growth
Height
- 120cm (47 inches) tall after 5 years
- Spread of 60cm (24 inches)
Seasons of Interest
- Flowering period: Late spring through summer
- Unique characteristic of flowering on both old and current season’s growth
- Extended blooming period compared to other Philadelphus varieties
Additional Notes
- Features large, fully double white blooms
- Strongly fragrant flowers
- Forms a densely branching shrub with flowers along the length
- Shortlisted for RHS Chelsea Plant of the Year 2023
- Ideal for cottage gardens, scented gardens, wildlife gardens and low maintenance gardens
- Minimal pruning required – just remove a fifth of old stems after flowering
- Water regularly during the growing season until established
- Excellent choice for mixed borders or as a specimen plant
Philadelphus ‘Pearls of Perfume’: The Revolutionary Mock Orange
If you’re looking for a shrub that offers incredible fragrance, beautiful double blooms, and a flowering season beyond the usual few weeks, let me introduce you to Philadelphus ‘Pearls of Perfume’. It’s a real gem — a mock orange like no other — and it’s quickly becoming a favourite for gardeners who want something compact yet fabulously showy.
Whether you’re short on space, adore scented plants, or just want something that brings reliable performance year after year, this might just be the one to try next. Let’s take a closer look at what makes this mock orange so special and how to get the best from it in your garden.
What Makes Philadelphus ‘Pearls of Perfume’ So Special?
Unlike traditional varieties of mock orange, which tend to bloom just once in early summer and then fade into the background, ‘Pearls of Perfume’ is a genuine breakthrough in breeding. Developed by American plant breeder Rick Grazzini, this hybrid is the first Philadelphus to flower on both old and new growth, which means you get waves of blooms instead of just a single flush.
Its elegantly double white flowers look stunning and emit one of the most potent and romantic fragrances in the shrub world — think orange blossom crossed with jasmine, only richer and more intense. It’s the scent that makes you stop and breathe it in.
This makes it ideal for planting near patios, seating areas, or paths — anywhere you’ll likely catch the scent as you pass. And if you’re gardening in a smaller space, the compact habit (reaching just 120cm tall and about 60cm wide) means you won’t need to sacrifice half the border for it.
How and Where to Plant Philadelphus ‘Pearls of Perfume’
In the Garden:
Choose a sunny or lightly shaded spot with well-drained soil. This is key, as Philadelphus resents sitting in soggy conditions. Before planting, dig in a generous amount of well-rotted manure or compost to enrich the soil and improve its structure. This feeds the plant gently and helps it establish strong roots.Once you’ve positioned your plant, water it well and moisten the soil during its first growing season. After that, it’s fairly drought-tolerant, but regular attention will keep it lush and blooming for longer.In a Pot:
Yes, this variety is suitable for container growing and performs beautifully in a large pot—ideal if you have only a patio or balcony space.Choose a pot at least 40cm across with good drainage holes. Use John Innes No. 2 loam-based compost, which retains moisture well and provides the structure and nutrients that Philadelphus appreciates. Mix in a handful of grit or horticultural sand to aid drainage.At planting time, feed with a slow-release fertiliser suitable for flowering shrubs. Top the surface with bark or decorative gravel to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Stand the pot on bricks or pot feet to prevent waterlogging during the winter.When and How It Flowers
The first flush of flowers generally appears in late spring, blooming on the previous year’s growth. That alone is enough to rival many classic mock oranges in beauty and scent. But here’s the game-changer: this clever little shrub keeps blooming, producing additional flowers on the new stems in the growing season.
The result? A prolonged flowering period that continues well into summer, far longer than traditional varieties that are finished by mid-June. If you love having something fragrant and beautiful to look at from spring through to the height of summer, ‘Pearls of Perfume’ is well worth a place in your garden.
Pruning Tips for Continuous Blooms
A little light annual pruning is needed to keep your Philadelphus looking its best and encourage that all-important reblooming habit.
After the first flush of flowers fades, cut each stem back to a strong bud, just like you would with many flowering shrubs. Once a year, usually in late summer, take the opportunity to remove about a fifth of the oldest stems down to ground level. This rejuvenates the plant, improves airflow, and stimulates lots of fresh new growth, which means more flowers next season.
Avoid pruning after August, as this could remove buds forming for the following year’s early flush.
The Scent: Orange Blossom on Steroids
If fragrance is high on your wishlist, you will adore this one. The heavily double white flowers give off an intensely sweet, citrusy scent — often described as similar to orange blossom, but some gardeners reckon it’s even stronger.
The scent becomes even more pronounced in the evening, making it a lovely choice for an area where you unwind at the end of the day. Add a comfy chair and a cool drink, and let the perfume do the rest.
Will It Do Well in My Garden?
Absolutely — Philadelphus ‘Pearls of Perfume’ is fully hardy in the UK and will tolerate most conditions if the soil drains well. While it prefers full sun, it can also cope with light shade, particularly in hotter parts of the country.
The compact habit suits small gardens, raised beds, courtyards, or larger containers. And because it’s relatively low-maintenance, it’s excellent for beginners and more experienced gardeners looking for something special.
Seasonal Care & Maintenance
This isn’t a demanding shrub by any means, but a bit of seasonal TLC will keep it looking its best:
Spring: Mulch around the base with organic matter like compost or bark to retain moisture and keep weeds at bay. If you didn’t apply a slow-release fertiliser at planting time, do so now.
Summer: Water during dry spells, especially if in a pot. Deadhead faded blooms to encourage more flowers.
Autumn: Check for any crowded or congested stems. Light thinning at this time can help with airflow.
Winter: No special care is needed—it’s hardy, though container-grown plants may benefit from standing the pot on feet to improve drainage.
Can I Propagate It?
Yes! Take softwood cuttings in early summer if you’d like to grow more of this gorgeous shrub. Choose healthy, non-flowering shoots and place them in a pot or tray with a gritty compost mix. Cover the pot or tray with a plastic bag or propagator lid to maintain humidity, and put it somewhere warm and bright (but out of direct sun).
With some luck, you’ll have rooted cuttings within a few weeks — perfect for sharing with friends or spreading around the garden.
How Does It Compare to Traditional Mock Orange?
In short, it’s a more refined, longer-flowering, better-behaved version of the mock orange shrubs many of us grew up with. Where older varieties would burst into bloom and then go quiet, ‘Pearls of Perfume’ just keeps giving, thanks to its ability to flower on both new and old wood.
Add to that its neat, compact form, richly double flowers, and powerful perfume, and you’ve got a modern shrub that ticks every box for today’s gardens — especially where space is tight but impact matters.
From Darren’s Patch
Philadelphus has always had a certain charm for me, but ‘Pearls of Perfume’ really ups the game. The scent initially drew me in — it’s one of those fragrances you want to bottle. But what truly impresses me is the extended flowering. Unlike the mock oranges I grew years ago, which would give you two weeks of glory and then call it quits, this one just keeps going. I’ve got mine in a pot near the bench at the end of the garden, where I can enjoy the perfume on summer evenings. It’s compact, repeat-flowering, and genuinely joyful to grow — one to try if you love your garden to smell as good as it looks.
Key Points to Remember:
- Flowers on both old and new growth
- Compact size perfect for small gardens
- Highly scented double white flowers
- Regular pruning encourages reblooming
- Thrives in sun or partial shade
- Easy to maintain
- Extended flowering season
- Suitable for the UK climate
- Takes well from cuttings
- Excellent fragrance
Check out the RHS article here.
Explore Viburnum × bodnantense Dawn, another tried and tested favourite of mine.
For more information on Shrubs for your garden, please click here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is Philadelphus Pearls of Perfume?
A: Philadelphus ‘Pearls of Perfume’ is a delightful flowering shrub known for its sweet-scented blooms. It is often sought after in the UK for its gorgeous white flowers, filling your garden with a floral fragrance during summer.
Q: Where can I buy Philadelphus Pearls of Perfume?
A: You can find ‘Pearls of Perfume’ at various nurseries and online at Swift Plants and other online plant suppliers.
Q: How do I grow Philadelphus Pearls of Perfume?
A: To grow Philadelphus, plant it in well-drained soil in a sunny spot. Regular watering, especially during dry spells, helps its growth. Adding well-rotted manure or garden compost can boost development. Prune the shrub by removing a fifth of the old and current growth each year to encourage healthy buds.
Q: When does Philadelphus ‘Pearls of Perfume’ bloom?
A: The blooms typically appear in late spring to early summer. You’ll notice those lovely white flowers starting to emerge, filling the air with their sweet scent!
Q: Are there any special care tips for ‘Pearls of Perfume’?
A: Absolutely! Make sure to plant it in a sunny area and monitor moisture levels. Fertilising with rotted manure or garden compost can help. Also, watch for any pests that might want to interfere.
Q: Can I grow Philadelphus ‘Pearls of Perfume’ in pots?
A: Yes, you can! Just ensure the pot has good drainage and use a rich potting mix. Regular watering and feeding will help keep the plant healthy and thriving.
Q: What should I do if my Philadelphus isn’t blooming?
A: If your ‘Pearls of Perfume’ isn’t blooming, check whether it’s getting enough sunlight and if the soil drains well. Sometimes, extra watering or fertilising care can help coax those blooms out.