Mock Orange

Scientific name

Philadelphus lewisii

Description

Mock Orange is a deciduous shrub species that typically grows between 1.5 and 3 m in height. The leaves are oppositely arranged, green colored, ovate shaped, and have entire or serrated margins. The flowers are white colored, fragrant, have four petals, have yellow anthers, appear in clusters of 3-11, and blooms between May and June. The flowers may smell like sweet oranges, hence the common name. The fruits are small, woody capsules containing many seeds. The food and habitat provided by this shrub are beneficial to many wildlife species, including birds and mammals. The flowers are beneficial to pollinator species, such as bees and butterflies. The roots are good for controlling erosion and stabilizing shorelines.

Planting conditions

Mock Orange grows best in moist to normal conditions with full or partial sun exposure. It prefers well-drained, alluvial loam or rocky soil types. Established plants can tolerate drought and dry soil but young plants should be watered occasionally during hot summers. It is also tolerant of moderate shade. This shrub can be naturally found in open forests, forest edges, and in riparian areas along the Pacific Northwest.

Details

• Plant height:
  • Max 3m
  • Any
• Moisture level:
  • Normal
  • Moist
  • Drought Tolerant
• Light conditions:
  • Full sun
  • Partial sun
  • Shade
• Soil type:
  • Loamy
  • Rocky
• pH:
  • Normal
• Depth:
  • Potted
• Eco Zone:
  • 5b
  • 6a
• Plant type:
  • Shrub
• Height:
  • 3 m
• Spread:
  • 2 m