How to prune philadelphus 'virginal'

Immediately after flowering, early to mid-summer. Cut flowered stems back to vigorous young laterals or a pair of healthy buds. Remove the oldest, thickest canes entirely at ground level — aim for one-quarter of canes per year for a rolling four-year renewal.

Annually after flowering. Yes — Virginal mock orange blooms on old wood and needs annual post-flowering pruning to stay vigorous. Immediately after the intensely fragrant double flowers fade in early summer, cut back flowered shoots to strong new growth and remove one-quarter of the oldest stems at the base. This prevents the congested, woody interior that reduces flowering over time.

Cut flowered stems back to vigorous young laterals or a pair of healthy buds. Remove the oldest, thickest canes entirely at ground level — aim for one-quarter of canes per year for a rolling four-year renewal.