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Mock orange Lemoine is a rich variety of varieties of a hybrid category created by the French breeder V. Lemoine in the XNUMXth century on the basis of an ordinary and small-leaved species of a common garden shrub. In the front gardens there are various specimens of mock orange, because its numerous species have long been cultivated. Nurseries sell old and modern varieties of Lemoinei mock orange hybrid, which differ slightly in the subtleties of care.
Description of mock orange Lemoine
The sprawling bush is distinguished by a large number of arched shoots, which in different varieties reach from 1 to 3 m in height. The trunks, with a smooth grayish-brown bark that cracks with age, are quite thin and flexible. The multi-stemmed bushes of the Lemoine mock orange, as in the photo, are of medium density, crown width up to 1,5-2 m. The length of light green ovate leaves is 4-7 cm. The light and at the same time saturated shade of the foliage gives the bush a picturesque look even after flowering.
How Lemoine’s Jasmine Blooms
Loose inflorescences of 5-9 buds are formed on short lateral shoots. The flowers are large, cup-shaped, from 2 to 4 cm in diameter, they are simple, with 4-5 beautifully concave petals, semi-double and double. The color of the corolla is predominantly white, there are Lemoine mock oranges with milky-cream shades, as well as with burgundy-pink tints in the center. The visual lightness of the flowers is given by the combination of large, gracefully curved petals and long yellow-cream stamens. In most varieties, the flowers are intensely scented. Buds of different varieties bloom from mid or late June. Flowering usually lasts 10-20 days.
Abundant flowering of all varieties of Lemoine mock orange is ensured by the following conditions when planting:
- bushes are located in a sunny place, only light short-term partial shade is allowed;
- fertile, loose soil.
The most common varieties
Most of the forms of the bred hybrid belong to the author, Victor Lemoine, these are about 40 varieties obtained at the end of the XNUMXth and beginning of the XNUMXth centuries. New mock oranges spread from France around the world. Many varieties of Lemoine are also grown in our country, taking into account climatic features. Between the photo and the description of the Lemoine mock oranges, which grow in the gardens of the middle lane, there may be a minimal difference in size. Frosts adversely affect the growth of bushes. All other characteristics are in perfect agreement.
Ermine Mantle
Mock orange Lemoine Manteau d’Hermine (Manto d’Ermine), 75-90 cm high, bred in 1899, got its name because of the abundant and long flowering – up to a month or more. It blooms with white, semi-double buds 2-3 cm wide, which densely strew the bush against the background of small foliage.
Belle Etoile
The mock orange Lemoine Belle Etoile (Beautiful Star) has a special attraction of simple flowers – petals with a carmine-purple center and a slight aroma of strawberries. The bush, obtained by the son of V. Lemoine, Emile Lemoine, grows in the conditions of the middle lane up to 1 m, requires shelter in snowless winters, since it can withstand only -23 ° C.
Girandole
Variety Girandole (Chandelier) captivates with a wide crown, up to 120 cm in diameter, with drooping shoots, 150 cm high, and double, creamy white flowers with a delicate aroma. Mock orange is resistant, tolerates frosts up to 30 °C.
Erectus
The shoots of the mock orange Lemoine Erectus, in accordance with its name, are straight, low – 1,2-1,5 m. Only with age, the branches bend smoothly. White flowers with a diameter of 2,5-3 cm are simple, emit a strong aroma. The variety is frost-resistant, sun-loving. For lush flowering, it is recommended to remove old shoots every 4-5 years.
Dame Blanche
The form of mock orange variety Dame Blanche (Lady in White) belongs to the dwarf category, the shoots are 80-90 cm long. But the diameter of the sprawling bush is almost twice as wide as the height. Very fragrant semi-double flowers with snow-white petals. Corollas are large – 3,5-4 cm wide. Dame Blanche blooms from the last days of June and in July.
Schneestorm
Lemoine mock orange Schneesturm (Snowstorm) – sprawling and tall, up to 2-2,5 m. The width of the bush is 1,20-1,40 m. . White, large, multi-petalled flowers reach 4-5 cm in diameter. A delicate sweet aroma emanates from the inflorescences. The variety is unpretentious, winter-hardy.
Minnesota Snowflake
Popular, according to reviews, mock orange Lemoine Minnesota Snowflake. Powerful erect shoots of the variety form an oval vertical crown up to 2 m high and 1,5 m in diameter. Dark green large leaves create an expressive background for snow-white double flowers, collected in brushes of several pieces. Corolla diameter up to 2,5 cm. Early variety, buds begin to bloom in May. It is preferable to buy Lemoine Minnesota Snowflake mock orange seedlings in a tube. Such packaging will ensure the safe transportation of the roots.
Sun
Since 2011, the dwarf mock orange variety Solnyshko has been entered into the State Register, the applicants are the Moscow and St. Petersburg Botanical Gardens. Bush with an oval-vertical crown, 30 to 45 cm high, up to 30 cm wide. Shoots are straight, with grayish bark. Variety without flowering, intended for the decoration of rocky gardens and container culture. The yellow-green leaves are serrated, expressive and bright in spring and early summer.
Main characteristics
A popular landscape shrub, rich in different varieties, the authorship of the Lemoine family and other breeders, endures the winters of the middle zone quite steadfastly. When buying seedlings, it is worth clarifying the correct name of the variety in order to determine its frost resistance. There are specimens wintering without shelter. After severe frosts, most mock oranges grow their green mass and wood well. But some foreign varieties are thermophilic and suffer greatly in winter.
Mock oranges do not succumb to common diseases, but various pests annoy the leaves. Insecticides are used against insects.
Features of reproduction
Varietal characteristics are not completely transmitted through seeds; various variations will follow. Seeds are sown after stratification or before winter, after the soil freezes. The shrub is easy to grow if the climate suits the varieties.
Mock orange is propagated more often vegetatively:
- cuttings, green or lignified, while small-leaved varieties are better cut;
- a more accessible way – layering;
- the most effective way is to divide the bush.
Planting and care
The shrub is easy to grow if the climate suits the varieties.
Recommended dates
The best time for planting a mock orange is spring or early autumn. Bushes are planted in autumn at such a time that 20 days remain before frost, during which the plant has time to take root. Seedlings in a container from nurseries are moved until the end of June.
Site selection and soil preparation
Mock orange is undemanding to the type of soil; it cannot be planted only in swampy and saline areas. The main condition for good development and abundant flowering is a sunny place or light partial shade for 3-4 hours. A 50×60 cm planting hole can be prepared in advance by laying drainage and mixing garden soil with sand, clay, compost or humus. Additives depend on the type of soil. For successful growth, add 70-90 g of complex fertilizer for flowering shrubs.
Landing algorithm
A mock orange seedling is placed on the finished substrate:
- the root neck can be deepened by only 1-1,5 cm;
- the trunk circle is watered with 10-12 liters of water and mulched.
Growing rules
Care for most varieties of Lemoine mock orange is simple.
Watering Schedule
Seedlings are watered once a week, especially in dry summers. Adult bushes – once in 18-20 days, 15-25 liters per bush. With heavy natural precipitation, watering is not carried out.
Weeding, loosening, mulching
The not mulched near-stem circle of mock orange is systematically loosened, weeds are removed. For mulch take peat, dry grass, bark.
Top dressing schedule
Fertilizers contribute to the growth of mock orange and beautiful flowering:
- the first top dressing is carried out early in April with preparations with nitrogen or humus;
- before creating and blooming buds, the bushes are supported with complex mineral top dressing;
- in July-August, potassium-phosphorus agents are introduced.
Trimming
For mock oranges, sanitary pruning is required. Bushes are formed if the silhouette of the crown is not to your liking. Every 4-5 years, old shoots are removed, and to rejuvenate the plant, the remaining 3-4 shoots are shortened to 40 cm.
Preparation for winter
Sub-zero temperatures are tolerated by adapted varieties without shelter. In autumn, the branches are tied up so that they do not suffer from the mass of snow. Heat-loving varieties are wrapped, especially in the early years.
Pests and diseases
Mock oranges are not susceptible to disease, but the tender leaves are often damaged by insects. Spraying with insecticides is used against leaf-eating pests:
- You decide;
- Kinmix;
- Apollo.
Conclusion
Lemoine mock orange is an undemanding, beautiful plant that will create a gentle and romantic corner in the garden. Fragrant and spectacular inflorescences against the backdrop of bright greenery will leave an unforgettable summer experience.
