Mock-oranges
What are they?
The Mock-oranges get their name from their heavily-scented flowers that have a scent similar to that of orange blossom. These are highly popular members of the Hydrangea family (Hydrangeaceae) and are commonly planted in amenity areas in a variety of forms, most which have been developed through hybridisation and selection in the horticultural industry. Most originate from eastern Asia, but a few are native to South-east Europe and North America.
Where are they found?
Although popular as garden plants, many of the plants in cultivation are sterile hybrids and unlikely to spread naturally into the wider countryside. Odd plants that may be found on roadsides or in hedges are likely to have been originally planted.
Identification
The strongly-veined, opposite leaves, thin, wiry stems and mass of white flowers in early summer distinguish mock-oranges quite easily. However, telling the various species and cultivated forms apart can be far more difficult. Although few of these plants have so far been recorded in our region, others might show up, so it is useful to check the features that are required for accurate identification. Features to note include: the hairiness of the receptacle (the outer part of the base of the flower, below the sepals); presence or absence and distribution of hairs on both sides of the leaf; number of stamens; hairiness of the style.
Mophead Hydrangea Hydrangea macrophylla
Introduced from eastern Asia as a garden ornamental. Recorded from Norfolk as a relic of cultivation and widely used as an amenity plant in urban areas. Flowers June to August. A many-stemmed shrub to 2m in height. A highly distinctive plant with its voluminous flower clusters that remain on the plant well into winter, gradually turning brown with age. Flowers may be one of two forms; fertile flowers with small sepals generally occur towards the centre/top of the flowerhead, while outer flowers are more often sterile and have greatly enlarged sepals. In 'mophead' types, the sterile flower types predominate and form large, orbicular heads. In 'lacecap' types, the large-sepalled, sterile flowers are fewer and arranged in an outer ring, surrounding a flattened head of fertile flowers. Flowers are usually various shades of pink, but become blue on acidic soils.
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Rough-stemmed Deutzia Deutzia scabra
Introduced from eastern Asia as a garden ornamental. Once recorded as naturalised in West Norfolk naturalised from original plantings. Flowers June to July. A many-stemmed shrub to 2.5m in height. Leaves 3-8cm in length, with stellate hairs on both surfaces. Flowers in loose, erect panicles, those of the species with five petals, but often grown as the double-flowered cultivar 'Plena'.
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European Mock-orange Philadelphus coronarius
Introduced from South-east Europe as an ornamental. Occasionally recorded where appearing naturalised from original plantings. For a long time, this was the only Mock-orange mentioned in the popular flower books, so some records may be misidentified. Flowers May to July. A many-stemmed shrub to 5m in height. Leaves lightly hairy on the veins and vein axils beneath, with only a few scattered hairs above. Outer base of flower hairless; Flowers single, pure white and very fragrant, usually in simple racemes of 5-9 flowers.
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