mock orange

Mock orange (Philadelphus microphyllus 'June Bride') requires regular watering year-round for optimal growth and health. During the spring and summer months, water deeply 1-2 times per week. During the fall and winter months, adjust watering as needed, generally allowing the top inch or 2 of soil to dry out slightly between waterings. As a general rule, water the plant until the soil is evenly moist and avoid over-watering.

Mock orange (Philadelphus microphyllus 'June Bride') should receive plenty of direct sunlight to help promote blooming. The ideal exposure is to full sun, which would be about 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight each day. A combination of direct and dappled sunlight is also acceptable for this species, as it allows for some respite from the strong sunlight during the hottest parts of the day. For best blooming results, morning sun is ideal as this allows the leaves to warm up earlier in the day. It will also prevent the risk of sunburn from the intense midday sunlight.

Mock orange (Philadelphus microphyllus 'June Bride') should be pruned in late winter or early spring. Pruning should be light, limiting cuts to no more than 1-fifth of the total growth. Any dead branches should be removed first, followed by trimming to shape the plant. Remove any weak, twiggy growth that detracts from the overall look of the shrub. Young plants should not be pruned significantly. It's important to not prune off the flower buds from the previous season, as these will create the spring blooms.