PHILADELPHUS. Mock orange. North America, Asia, Europe. A large group of flowering shrubs, much better appreciated in other parts of the world than here in California. With the recent revival of interest in the flowering shrubs, it seems only fitting that the fine array of selections already available elsewhere should be revisited here. Most have attractive pale bark, arching branches, and paired, pointed-oval leaves. They are decorated in late spring and summer by clusters of white, usually sweetly fragrant, 4- to 5-petalled blossoms with dense central brushes of stamens. Sun, most soils, moderate to regular watering, depending on the species. Hardiness varies.

coronarius ‘Variegatus’. This clone is slower growing and floppier than most mock-oranges and might be ignored except for its striking 2" leaves, heavily and irregularly variegated with yellowish cream. The flowers are small and not particularly showy, but they are pleasingly fragrant. Definitely one for the growing ranks of variegated leaf fanatics. 0^oF or less.