mock orange

Mock oranges (Philadelphus 'Snowbelle') should be watered 2 to 3 times a week during the spring and summer months, providing enough water to thoroughly saturate the soil. During the fall and winter, water just enough to keep the soil from drying out completely. Before watering, check the soil to see if it is dry and if so, proceed to water the plant; if the soil still appears moist, it is not yet necessary to water the mock orange.

Mock orange (Philadelphus 'Snowbelle') requires at least 4 to 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. This should occur during the morning hours (before noon) when the sunlight is more moderate. Avoid placing it in an area where the sun will be too strong and hot. Too much afternoon sun can cause leaf scorch and other damage. Additionally, try to avoid placing it in a completely shaded location, as this can lead to smaller growth. Ideally, you should find a spot that allows for direct sunshine for about 4 to 6 hours, but is shaded the rest of the day by taller trees or buildings.

Mock orange (Philadelphus 'Snowbelle') should be pruned annually, sometime in late winter or very early spring. The goal of pruning is to maintain a neat, dense shape and to remove stray branches or those with dead flowers. Specifically for this species, pruning should begin when the plant is young - removing any shoots that are growing out of the top of the plant, as well as any straggler branches that don't fit with the desired structure. Older mock orange plants should have their oldest, thickest branches that have lost their flowering potential removed. Deadheading in late summer can remove any spent flowers and encourages the production of new ones. This plant typically doesn't require much pruning, so avoid drastic cuts that could make the plant look "bare."