The sweetest hedge????

[Ron342]

Today I was walking by an expensive townhouse in Old Town Alexandria, Va and was all but bowled over but the very sweet smell (From maybe 50 ft away!) of the small white flowers (maybe 3/4 in across) growing in bracts on a sparse ( it was a fairly shady spot) maybe 3 ft high 2 ft wide bush with foliage that looked for all the world like plain old hedge as we call it here. I know hedge does have small white blossoms but the fragrance from this was incredible and bumblebees were all over it?
Anyone have any idea what it is and where one might get one??
Thanks

[Miranda]

Where's Va?

In the UK an autumn flowering hedge with sweetly scented blooms is Eleagnus x ebbingei - the scent is pretty strong and carries a good way. Some are variegated, some all green. I have them as shrubs but they make excellent hedging plants.

[Paul Narramore]

Miranda

Va (or more correctly 'VA') is Virginia; all US states are abbreviated in an address by initials. FL = Florida, SC = South Carolina, etc.

I looked up Eleagnus x ebbingei in my copy of 'Scent in your Garden' by Stephen Lacey (ISBN 0-7112-0638-4), a superb book by the way, and he recommends the yellow variegated forms of 'Gilt Edge' and 'Limelight' as outstanding. Thank for reminding me of this plant as I now intend to visit my local nursery and buy an example as I have just the place for it alongside a new patio where I'll be able to sit and enjoy the scent.:)

[Miranda]

Ah, Virginia. I see, thanks.

That looks like an interesting book, I'll have to get a copy.

Do get an Elaeagnus x ebbingei, Paul - do it now! I planted 'Limelight' three years ago and this year it has masses of divinely scented blossom. It isn't that near the house, but against the garden wall where the perfume wafts over passers by. That means we ought to plant another one, doesn't it? Oh dear :)