Philadelphus x virginalis 'Minnesota Snowflake'

Minnesota Snowflake Mockorange

Philadelphus × virginalis ‘Minnesota Snowflake’ is a cold-hardy deciduous mock orange shrub known for its fragrant, double white flowers that appear in late spring to early summer. It has an upright, arching, multi-stemmed form with medium green foliage and is best planted where its sweet citrus-like fragrance can be enjoyed, such as near patios, walkways, entries, cottage gardens, mixed borders, or informal hedges. Sources list it as a very hardy selection, with profuse double blooms that may last up to about 4 weeks in favorable conditions.

Type: Deciduous flowering shrub
Mature Size: 5–6 ft. wide × 6–8 ft. tall
USDA Zones: 4a–7b
Form: Upright, arching, rounded shrub
Light: Full sun to part shade; best flowering in full sun
Soil / Water: Adaptable to many well-drained soils; low to moderate water once established
Bloom Time / Length: Late spring to early summer; often 2–4 weeks
Wildlife: Fragrant flowers attract bees and butterflies; generally deer resistant once established

Features & Landscape Uses:
Large, double, snow-white flowers with strong fragrance; excellent cold hardiness; good vertical size for the back of borders, screening, informal hedges, cottage gardens, fragrant gardens, and foundation groupings. It is especially useful where a taller, old-fashioned mock orange look is wanted with showier double flowers.

Care:
Prune immediately after flowering because mock orange blooms mainly on older wood. Remove dead, weak, or crossing branches and thin some of the oldest canes every few years to encourage new growth and heavier flowering. Avoid heavy late-summer, fall, or early-spring pruning, which can remove flower buds. Mock orange grows best in full sun or light shade with moist but well-drained soil; avoid heavy wet soil or dense shade. 

Plant type

Flowering Deciduous Shrub

Height

6-8'

Width

5-6'

Hardiness zones

4–7

Sunlight

Full Sun, Partial Shade

Growth rate

Fast

Bloom time

Early Summer, Late Spring

Flower color

White

Leaf color

Green

Fall color

Dark Green

Attracts

Bees, Butterflies

Soil

Alkaline, Moist well-drained

Landscape use

Accent Plant, Border, Foundation

Shape

Arching, Rounded, Upright

Bark

Exfoliating

Fragrant

Yes

Deer resistant

Yes

Drought tolerant

No