Philadelphus x lemoinei 'Manteau d'Hermine'

Manteau d'Hermine lemoine mockorange

Those of you schooled in French may know that 'Manteau' means coat and 'Hermine' means ermine (as in the white little critter whose fur was often used to trim the coats of royalty). I don't know why, but for some reason I always remember it as 'Herman Munster's Coat'. At the risk of offending Fred Gwynne's family, I think this plant is far more attractive (and slightly shorter) than Herman Munster ever was.

A dwarf mockorange perfect for hedges or as a single specimen plant, 'Manteau d'Hermine' covers itself in a stole of large, double, fragrant, creamy white flowers in mid-spring. The white blooms contrast nicely with the small, clean green foliage beneath.

It will grow quite well in just about any site, but more sun will help produce the most flowers. Since it's the result of a cross between Philadelphus microphyllus and Philadelphus coronarius, it also picked up the drought tolerance of the former and will grow quite well in rock gardens if given water until it becomes established.

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