Mock Orange: A Fragrant and Lovely Shrub
Photo: Single flower of ‘Blizzard’ mockorange
https://extension.umn.edu/trees-and-shrubs/mockorange
Mock Orange (Philadelphus spp.) is a fragrant, white flowering, deciduous shrub native to Europe, Canada, and the west and northwestern United States. There are numerous cultivated varieties that vary in flower size, fragrance intensity, hardiness, and growth habit making it a perfect specimen for the knowledgeable gardener.
Philadelphus is a Greek term meaning to love one another’s brother. However, the name is thought to commemorate the Egyptian King Ptolemy Philadelphus who was a reputed garden lover. There is much to love about this shrub. Most often grown for the sweetly fragrant blooms that resemble orange blossoms, it has no serious pest or disease problems, tolerates heat, drought, and is resistant to deer as well as the forever persistent Japanese beetles. Thomas Jefferson found Mock orange plants to be appealing and recorded in his 1807 garden journal that he “planted 9 Philadelphus coronaium, Mock orange, in the 4 circular beds at the 4 corners of the house.”
Although Mock orange can be planted in the early spring, it is best planted in the early fall. It can be used as a specimen plant but is ideal for borders and loose hedges or screens. It has a fast growth rate, gaining up to two feet per year. Consider planting it near a patio or seating area so the fragrance can be fully enjoyed.
Mock orange is hardy in Zones 3-8 and will do best in full sun and well-drained soil, including clay, loam and sandy soils. However, it will not tolerate waterlogged soil. Although the shrub will grow in partial shade, it will do so at the expense of blooms. The most prolific booms occur in full sun; at least 6 hours per day. Depending on the cultivar, the shrub can be 3-8 feet tall and wide. Some have single flowers, some have double blooms, and many have a compact growth habit. The blooms attract pollinators, including bees. Small mammals and song birds are also fond of the bush for nesting and habitat.
Mock orange is hardy in the winter weather without additional protection. Some pruning will be necessary to keep them in ideal condition. Mock orange bloom on the previous year’s growth, so prune immediately after blooming. On the stems that have just bloomed, cut back at outer facing buds. In addition, cut out any broken, damaged, or misshapen branches. As the plant matures, renewal prune in the spring by cutting two to three of the largest canes at ground level for a 3-year period. Repeat as necessary to keep the plant in check and allow new, young, vigorous growth to occur.
Mock oranges are at their peak in late spring to early summer. To compliment them, plant roses, witch hazel, ninebark, dogwood, or snowberry in the area.
Just a few of the cultivars that would do well in the Wisconsin landscape include ‘Aureus’ (6 feet tall, single flowers, compact growth), ‘Miniature Snowflake’ (3 feet tall, double flowers, dwarf growth), ‘Blizzard’ (especially cold hardy, 5 feet tall, single flowers, compact growth), ‘Snowbelle’ (4 feet tall, double blooms, compact growth) and ‘Buckley’s Quill’ (6 feet tall, double flowers, compact growth).
Perhaps it is time to show a little love to the landscape with these especially fragrant, phenomenal shrubs that are perfect for a border or patio screen.
Carol Shirk
Certified Master Gardener