Medium-sized coarse upright loosely arching ornamental blooming shrub. A “blizzard” of sweet citrusy fragrance from pure-white slightly cupped 4-petaled blossoms for up to four weeks in late spring, after the lilacs fade. A spray of golden yellow anthers attractive to bees and butterflies accents each flower. Species was named after Meriwether Lewis who noted it in 1806 during the Lewis and Clark Expedition.

Prefers moist rich well-drained soils but will grow well in most conditions. Full sun to partial shade. Since blossoms form on prior year’s growth, best to prune after flowering. Similar to old-fashioned European Philadelphus coronarius, but this one is native to North America. William Cullina, plant curator at the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens calls it “our most ornamental Philadelphus species.” Z3. (1-3' bare-root plants)