Species mock orange
cluster of white flowers with white filaments, creamy anthers, green sepals, and dark-green leaves

mock orange

Philadelphus pekinensis

Mock orange (Philadelphus pekinensis) is an elegant, deciduous shrub native to central China. It is well-known for its fragrant, white flowers that appear in late spring. Clusters of delicate, tubular petals with dark yellow anthers appear atop branches cloaked in lanceolate, green foliage. The profuse blooms produce a scent reminiscent of oranges. With a moderate growth rate, mock orange eventually reaches 8 feet tall and wide. This is a hardy shrub that can tolerate most soil conditions, even those with little drainage. It is a wonderful addition to cottage gardens inviting pollinators to the butterfly and hummingbird friendly flowers.

Cycle:

Perennial

Watering:

Average

Propagation:

Cutting,Layering Propagation,Grafting Propagation,Division,Seed Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

5 - 8

Flowers:

White Flowers In Spring

Sun:

Full sun,part shade

Leaf:

Yes

Growth Rate:

High

Maintenance:

Low

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Mock orange (Philadelphus pekinensis) requires regular watering to thrive. Water the soil whenever the top inch feels dry. Add water until it runs out of the bottom of the pot and discard the excess. During the summer, water the plant every 7 to 10 days or more often in periods of extreme heat. During the winter, water less, only when the soil feels dry. In order for the mock orange to stay healthy, it is important to keep the soil moist but not soggy.

sunlight

Mock orange (Philadelphus pekinensis) requires full sun or partial shade, meaning plants should receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day. The best time of day to receive sunlight is in the morning, as this allows the leaves to dry off quickly, which helps prevent pests and diseases. In the afternoon, intense sunlight can result in sunburn or leaf burns. Mock orange will tolerate part shade, but in these conditions it will flower less and may become leggy. If your mock orange is in a shady spot, try moving it to a spot with more light.

pruning

Mock orange (Philadelphus pekinensis) should be pruned in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Pruning should be done to remove dead, damaged, or diseased branches, as well as any branches that are crossing or rubbing against 1 another. It is also beneficial to reduce the plant's overall size and maintain the desired shape, remove some of the oldest branches, and thin the interior of the shrub. When removing the oldest branches, it should be done gently and gradually over a period of several years. This will ensure the shrub remains healthy and avoids any shock to the plant.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Starts Flowering

Mock orange typically starts flowering in late spring, usually in May or June.

Starts Flowering

Mock orange typically starts flowering in late spring, usually in May or June.

Hardiness Map