1) Name this shrub (Pictures included).
2) How to care for it?
    a) Pruning for maximum flowers
    b) Soil conditions

Facts:
 - Located in Northern Virginia
 - Deciduous
 - Small white flowers in spring. (just a few)
 - About 8 feet tall; a few feet wide

Picture of entire shrub:
http://img180.imageshack.us/my.php?image=shrubcompleteviewcompressedct1.jpg

Close-up view of seeds? I believe this is where it bloomed in the spring.
http://img217.imageshack.us/my.php?image=shrubcloseviewcompressedbh5.jpg

---

Request for Question Clarification by kriswrite-ga on 25 Aug 2006 08:14 PDT

There are several possiblities, but a photograph of the bloom would
tell us right away what the shrub is. I don't suppose you have a photo
of the blooms?

Kriswrite

---

Request for Question Clarification by kriswrite-ga on 25 Aug 2006 09:49 PDT

Or, does the plant's blossom look anything like one of these:

http://www.essencesonline.com/SA_MockOrangeB.jpg 

http://k43.pbase.com/u37/selvin/upload/24189625.mockorange.jpg


http://www.heffleylakeresort.com/gal_l_mock%20orange.jpg

http://millersoap.com/Desktops/MockOrangeDESK.jpg

Kriswrite

---

Clarification of Question by gardenmyles-ga on 25 Aug 2006 19:23 PDT

Sorry, I don't have any pictures of it in bloom. I have one of it
without its leaves in April. Let me know if that will help.

I'll review the pictures tomorrow.

Gardenmyles~

I believe your shrub to be a mock orange...so called because the
blooms resemble orange blossoms and have a citrus scent. Plant size
varies, depending upon variety (which can be determined by the plant's
blooms). Some varieties grow about 3 high, while others can be 20 feet
high.


SUN & SOIL

Mock orange will do well in full sun to part shade. Well draining soil
is preferred, but mock orange is pretty tolerant of whatever soil you
put it in.

It isn't generally necessary to fertilize Mock Orange, but if you
decide to do so, late February to March is the best time to sprinkle
some rose plant food around the plant, not too close to the trunk.


PRUNING

When pruning, remove the old, flowered wood each year after the plant
has bloomed. New shoots should be thinned so as to shape the plant
well. (Ed Humme, "Mock Orange:" http://www.humeseeds.com/efm_o.htm )
Such pruning will promote blooming the following year. "Each cut
should be made just above a strong, outer facing bud or new shoot.
Next years blooms will appear from these buds." (The Garden Helper,
"Growing a Mock Orange Tree:"
http://www.thegardenhelper.com/mockorange.htm )


Kind regards,
Kriswrite

research strategy:
"mock orange" care
"mock orange" pruning

I believe you are right. I also think the reason that it hasn't been
blooming much is because I haven't been pruning it much. Thanks for
the prompt response.

It looks like Philadelphus lewisii. There's a picture of the seed head here: 

http://www.life.umd.edu/emeritus/reveal/pbio/LnC/LnCpublic7.html