Mock Orange On a warm evening in late spring the arching branches of your mock orange might reflect back the subtle warm hues of the setting sun, at the same moment the rich sent may reach your nostrils. If this happens you will surely experience one of those moments of pure gardening bliss. The kind of thing that keeps gardeners gardening for life. All this from an incredibly hardy and easy to grow shrub. The fragrance is so exotic it is impossible to resist pruning some branches for a bouquet. In early spring, the mid-green leaves burst forth quickly followed by delicate, creamy buds. In late spring, the entire shrub is clothed in white blooms that exude a tropical scent. Four to six opaque petals reveal yellow stamens centering each flower. Mock orange is spectacular planted at the back of your border, where the bloom-laden branches can dance with the nearby ruffled petals of Therese Bugnet. Sun to light shade, not fussy about soil - zones 3/4 (Lewis mock orange - zone 2).
Purpleleaf Sandcherry To view the Purpleleaf Sandcherry in its blossoming glory is a lesson in the oriental arts. It wont matter that you're in your Rockies garden, you will feel like you have stepped into the scene on a delicate Japanese vase. Although the flowers are tiny, each bloom is heavily scented. The contrast between the blush pink petals and the deep purple leaves makes this shrub an eye-catching addition to any landscape. Later in the season dark purple cherries help feed the birds and add to the versatility of this shrub. The rich ruby foliage is stunning amid the many green shades of summer. Very showy planted with blue spruce or junipers. Plant in full sun for best colour and well drained soil. Light to medium pruning keeps growth compact and dense (Prunus cistena) - 6 ft h x 4 ft w - zone 3.
Next month learn about two more fabulous shrubs for your Rockies garden - the Beauty Bush and the PeeGee Hydrangea.
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