Maintenance Landscaping Design

Mock orange is a deciduous shrub native to Europe, North Africa and western Asia. The mock orange plant is a fast-growing shrub that can reach a height of 15 feet with a spread of 20 feet. The mock orange plant has glossy, dark green leaves that are 6 inches long and 3 inches wide. The mock orange plant produces fragrant, white flowers that are 2 inches wide and have orange centers. The mock orange plant blooms in the spring and summer. The mock orange plant is drought-tolerant and prefers full sun and well-drained soil.

Alternative name

• Murraya paniculata
  
• Citrus × aurantium
  
• Murraya exotica
  
• Bitter orange
  
• Sour orange

Basic info

• Mock orange is a deciduous shrub that belongs to the genus Philadelphus.
  
• It is native to Europe, Asia and North America.
  
• The mock orange shrub grows to a height of 3-6 meters.
  
• The leaves of the mock orange are opposite, simple and lanceolate shaped with serrated margins.
  
• The flowers of the mock orange are white, fragrant and borne in clusters.
  
• The fruit of the mock orange is a dark colored drupe.
  
• Mock orange shrubs are generally planted for their ornamental value.
  
• These shrubs prefer full sun to partial shade and well-drained soils for optimal growth.
  
• Common pests and diseases affecting mock orange shrubs include aphids, scale insects, powdery mildew and leaf spot.
  
• Mock orange shrubs are easy to care for and are low maintenance.

Related plant:
Mock Orange Varieties

How to Grow

1. For mock orange , first step is to take a cutting from a healthy plant.
   
2. Cuttings should be taken from new growth that is at least six inches long.
   
3. Cut just below a leaf node, making sure to include 2-3 leaves in the cutting.
   
4. Dip the cutting in rooting hormone and plant in a well-draining potting mix.
   
5. Water the cutting well and place in a warm, bright location.
   
6. Keep the soil moist but not soggy.
   
7. In 4-6 weeks, the cutting should have rooted and new growth will appear.
   
8. Once the cutting has rooted, fertilize with a balanced fertilizer.
   
9. Water regularly and prune to encourage new growth.
   
10. After a year or two, your mock orange plant can be planted in the landscape.

Related plant:
Sweet Mock Orange

Soil Condition

About soil condition, the Mock Orange prefers a well-drained, sandy loam soil, high in organic matter content. This plant is not tolerant of clay soils. It also prefers a soil pH that is slightly acidic to neutral.

Light requirement

Similar to other types of plants, the mock orange needs sun to live. It is important to plant the mock orange in an area that gets at least six hours of sunlight each day. While the plant can survive in less light, it will not thrive and may not produce as many flowers.

Good Temperature

The temperature condition is conducive to the growth of mock orange. The plant grows best in cool to warm temperatures, with an ideal temperature range of 60-75 degrees Fahrenheit. However, mock orange can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, from 50 degrees Fahrenheit to 95 degrees Fahrenheit. The plant prefers full sun to partial shade, and soil that is well-drained and rich in organic matter.

Humidity Aspect

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is around 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 plant will start to produce too much sap and the leaves will turn yellow.

Fertilizer Requirement

The fertilizer, usually the plant 's food, is found in the roots. The roots are the part of the plant that take in water and nutrients from the soil. The nutrients in the fertilizer help the plant to grow.

Plant Pruning

Pruning Mock orange bushes are generally easy to care for and don't require a lot of pruning. However, you may want to prune them back after they bloom to help encourage new growth. You can also prune to shape the bush or to remove any dead or diseased branches.

The Propagation

Propagation for the mock orange is best done through softwood cuttings taken from the tips of new growth in late spring or early summer. The cuttings should be 4 to 6 inches long and should be cut just below a leaf node. Remove the bottom leaves from the cutting and stick the cutting into a well-drained potting mix. Firm the mix around the cutting and water well. Place the pot in a shady location and keep the soil moist.

Plant Growth

Usually, the plant growth rate is slow to moderate. They can, however, become fast-growing when given proper conditions and care. In general, mock orange plants prefer full sun but can tolerate partial shade. They require well-drained, moist soils but will tolerate some drought conditions. If given too much water, mock orange plants are susceptible to fungal diseases.

Common Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant plants are root rot, powdery mildew, and aphids. Root rot is caused by too much water and can lead to the plant dying. Powdery mildew is a fungus that can cause the leaves to turn yellow and fall off. Aphids are small insects that can suck the sap out of the plant, causing it to weaken and die.

Tips on Growing

• Do not forget to water your plant regularly.
  
• Place your plant in an area with plenty of sunlight.
  
• Fertilize your plant every month.
  
• Prune your plant regularly to encourage new growth.
  
• Check for pests and diseases regularly and treat accordingly.
  
• Harvest your fruit when it is ripe and enjoy the delicious, refreshing taste of mock orange juice!
  
• Store any unused juice in the fridge for up to two weeks.
  
• Use orange peels to make a delicious and healthy orange zest.
  
• Add mock orange juice to your favorite cocktails or mocktails.
  
• Enjoy the beautiful, fragrant flowers of your mock orange plant!

Related Plants

• MORA (mock orange)
  
• AMORA (mock orange)
  
• IMARA (mock orange)
  
• KAMORA (mock orange)
  
• SAMORA (mock orange)
  
• TAMARA (mock orange)
  
• SAORA (mock orange)
  
• MARA (mock orange)
  
• KORA (mock orange)
  
• NNESSAMOARAH (mock orange)

Source:
Mock Orange
Pittosporum undulatum, mock orange | Trees of Stanford & Environs
Mock orange stumps knowledgeable pair - Purdue University