The Mock Orange

The Mock Orange or Japanese Pittosporum [Pittosporum tobira Thunb.) W.T.Aiton] is a bush originally from the east coast of China, southern Korea and southern Japan, which apparently was introduced into European gardens at the beginning of the 19th century.
Its popularity as an ornamental plant is mainly due to its abundant white blossoms which turn yellow as they mature.
The flower has a strong fragrance reminiscent of orange blossom. Other striking qualities are its rapid growth, large size and persistent, shiny green leaves. It also reacts well to pruning and cutting back in hedges and in topiary. It is hardy and easy to grow.
In the gardens at the Alhambra the mock orange normally blooms in May and is usually clipped into an umbrella shape.
In the photo you can see one of the mock oranges in the square in front of the Palace of Charles V. It is surrounded by dwarf snowflakes, a shrub that blooms at the same time.