How to Grow Mock Orange Flower - Plant Care & Tips

By NorwichGardener Team   /   2025

Mock orange flower is a plant that is native to east Asia. It is a deciduous shrub that can grow up to 6 meters tall. The leaves are green and the flowers are white. The fruit is a orange.

How to Grow Mock Orange Flower - Plant Care & Tips

Alternative name

  • Chavara
  • Citrus reticulata
  • Murraya paniculata
  • Osmanthus fragrans
  • Philadelphus coronarius

Common Knowledge

  • Mock orange flowers are white or cream-colored.
  • They are a classic springtime bloom.
  • The flowers are very fragrant.
  • Mock oranges are related to the citrus family.
  • The fruit of the mock orange is inedible.
  • Mock oranges are popular landscaping shrubs.
  • They can be used as hedges or privacy screens.
  • Mock oranges are relatively low-maintenance.
  • They are tolerant of a wide range of soils.
  • Mock orange flowers attract bees and butterflies.

Related plant:
Mock Orange Varieties

Growing Steps

  1. For mock orange flower, first step is to choses proper plant. The plant should be selected based on the climate and soil type of the region.
  2. Second step is to pluck the flower from the plant.
  3. Third step is to put the flower in a clean and dry vessel.
  4. Fourth step is to add some water in the vessel, just enough to cover the base of the flower.
  5. Fifth step is to place the vessel in a sunny spot.
  6. Sixth step is to wait for the flower to sprout.
  7. Seventh step is to transplant the flower to a pot or ground, once it has grown to a considerable size.
  8. Eighth step is to water the plant regularly and fertilize it.
  9. Ninth step is to pluck the dead flowers from the plant, so that it can focus on producing new flowers.
  10. Tenth step is to enjoy the beautiful blooms of the mock orange flower.

Related plant:
Mock Orange Bush

The Soil

About soil condition, the best way to grow mock orange flowers is in moist but well-drained soil. In heavy clay soil, it is best to improve drainage by mixing in some organic matter. If you are planting mock orange in a pot, use a potting mix that is high in organic matter.

About light

Just like other citrus fruits, orange trees need full sun to produce a good crop of fruit. In general, the more sun an orange tree gets, the more oranges it will produce. However, too much sun can be just as harmful as too little sun. Too much sun will cause the orange tree to produce less fruit.

Ideal Temperature

The temperature condition that is most ideal for the mock orange flower is a temperature that is cool and not too hot. The mock orange flower does not do well in hot temperatures and will often wilt and die in these conditions. The best way to ensure that the mock orange flower thrives is to plant it in an area that receives afternoon shade and has well-drained soil.

Ideal Humidity

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is between 40-50%. If the humidity is too low, the leaves will start to turn brown and drop off. If the humidity is too high, the leaves will start to yellow and the plant will become more susceptible to diseases.

The Fertilizer

For the fertilizer, this kind of plant prefers organic materials. It is essential to provide nutrients to the roots since they are the ones that will help the plant to grow healthy and strong. The roots of the mock orange flower are very sensitive, so it is important to be careful when applying the fertilizer.

Light requirement

Pruning is an important part of caring for your mock orange flower. Pruning helps to encourage new growth and keeps the plant healthy. When pruning your mock orange flower, be sure to remove any dead or damaged branches. Cut back any branches that are growing too close to the center of the plant. This will help to keep the plant from becoming too crowded.

About Propagating

Propagation is typically done through rooting stem cuttings taken from the parent plant. The cuttings should be taken from new growth that is still soft and flexible. The cuttings should be about 4-6 inches long and should have at least 2-3 sets of leaves. Cut the leaves in half to reduce water loss. To take the cutting, use a sharp knife or pruning shears to make a clean cut just below a leaf node. Dip the cut end of the cutting in rooting hormone and then plant in a pot filled with moistened perlite or vermiculite. Keep the cutting moist and warm and in bright indirect light. It can take several weeks for the cutting to develop roots. Once roots have developed, you can then transplant the cutting into a pot filled with potting mix.

Growth Speed

Usually, the plant growth rate is determined by the species. The faster-growing species can attain a growth rate of six to eight inches a year, while slower-growing species may only attain a rate of two or three inches in a year. However, there are many variables that can affect the growth rate of mock orange flowers, such as the amount of sunlight and water they receive, the type of soil they are planted in, and the fertilizer they are given. Therefore, it is best to consult with a nursery or an expert on mock orange flowers to determine the best growth rate for your particular plant.

Basic Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are: 1. Lack of flowers: This is usually due to insufficient light or nutrient levels. Make sure to provide your plant with plenty of bright light and fertilize regularly. 2. Flowers dropping off: If the flowers are dropping off before they even open, it is likely due to excessive heat or cold. Make sure to protect your plant from extreme temperatures. 3. Yellowing leaves: This is usually a sign of too much water. Allow the soil to dry out between watering to prevent this problem.

Tips on Growing

  • Do not forget to water your plant regularly.
  • Place your plant in an area with bright, indirect sunlight.
  • Use a well-draining potting mix for your plant.
  • Fertilize your plant every month during the growing season.
  • Prune your plant regularly to encourage new growth.
  • Keep an eye out for pests and diseases and treat them accordingly.
  • Allow your plant to dry out between watering to prevent root rot.
  • Pinch back the tips of the stems to encourage bushier growth.
  • Deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms.
  • Enjoy the fragrant blossoms of your mock orange plant!

Alternative Plants

  • Mock Orange Brown Spot
  • Mock Orange Brown Spots
  • Mock Orange Brown Spot Phyllosticta Leaf Spot
  • Mock Orange Brown Spots On Foliage
  • Mock Orange Brown Spots Fungus
  • Mock Orange Brown Spots Leaves
  • Mock Orange Brown Spots On Leaves
  • Mock Orange Brown Spots Phyllosticta Leaf Spots
  • Mock Orange Brown Spots On Foliage Fungus
  • Mock Orange Brown Spots Fungus On Foliage

Source:
Philadelphus Lewisii- Mock orange | Urban Garden Ecology
Pittosporum undulatum, mock orange | Trees of Stanford & Environs
Philadelphus microphyllus Gray littleleaf mock orange …

Richelle Author Photo
Reviewed & Published by Richelle
Submitted by our contributor
Shrubs Category