How to Grow Mock Orange Tree - Plant Care & Tips

By NorwichGardener Team   /   2024

Mock orange tree is a beautiful and fragrant plant that's perfect for adding a touch of sweetness to any garden. With its delicate white flowers and light green leaves, the mock orange tree is a stunning sight in any landscape.

How to Grow Mock Orange Tree - Plant Care & Tips

Popular name

  • Wild orange
  • Bitter orange
  • Sour orange
  • Seville orange
  • Bergamot orange

Things to Know

  • Mock orange trees are also known as sweet mock orange trees or Chinese orange trees.
  • They are native to China and other parts of Asia.
  • Mock orange trees grow to a height of 10-20 feet.
  • The leaves are dark green and glossy.
  • The flowers are white and fragrant.
  • The fruit is orange-colored and has a sweet taste.
  • Mock orange trees are drought-tolerant.
  • They need full sun and well-drained soil.
  • Mock orange trees are susceptible to pests and diseases.
  • They are ideal for hedges and screens.

Related plant:
Mock Orange Varieties

Planting Process

  1. For mock orange tree, first step is to purchase a tree from a nursery or online retailer.
  2. Once you have your tree, find a location in your yard that receives full sunlight and has well-draining soil.
  3. Dig a hole that is twice the width and depth of the tree’s root ball.
  4. Place the tree in the hole and backfill with soil, tamping it down as you go.
  5. Water the tree deeply immediately after planting.
  6. Mulch around the base of the tree, making sure not to pile the mulch too high against the trunk.
  7. Prune mock orange trees in late winter or early spring, before new growth begins.
  8. Fertilize mock orange trees in early spring, just as new growth begins.
  9. Keep an eye out for pests and diseases, and treat accordingly if needed.
  10. Enjoy the beautiful flowers your mock orange tree produces each spring!

Related plant:
Mock Orange Hedge

Considering the Soil

About soil condition, the best way to maintain a healthy environment for your Mock Orange Tree is to make sure that the soil is kept moist. However, you should never let the soil become soggy or too wet as this can lead to problems with the roots of the tree. Another important thing to remember is to make sure that the soil is well-drained so that excess water can easily escape.

About light

Just like other citrus trees, mock orange trees need full sun to produce healthy fruit. If you live in an area with hot summers, afternoon shade may be necessary to protect the tree from heat stress. Mock orange trees are also quite drought tolerant, so they can survive in dry conditions as long as they get enough sun.

Ideal Temperature

The temperature condition that is most ideal for a mock orange tree is one that is cool and humid. This type of climate is typically found in locations that are near a body of water, such as an ocean or a lake. The mock orange tree does not do well in locations that are extremely hot or dry.

Humidity Level

Ideal humidity condition for this plant are (mock orange tree) 70%. During the fall and winter, when homes are heated, the air inside can become quite dry. To maintain the relative humidity at an ideal level, (mock orange tree) set out a humidifier or water filled pebble tray. Grouping plants together can also help increase humidity levels around the plants.

Fertilizer Requirement

Discussing fertilizer, this kind of plant requires more phosphorus than nitrogen and potassium. The amount of fertilizer necessary depends on the age and size of the tree. A general rule of thumb is to use 1/2 pound of a 10-10-10 fertilizer per year of age up to 10 years, 1 pound per year of age from 11 to 20 years, and 2 pounds per year of age for trees older than 20 years. Be sure to apply fertilizer evenly around the tree's root zone and water it in well.

Plant Pruning

Pruning is an important part of keeping your mock orange tree healthy and strong. By pruning away dead or diseased branches, you not only improve the appearance of the tree, but you also help it to direct its energy towards new growth. Pruning also helps to encourage fruit production.

About Propagating

Propagation is the process of creating new plants from existing ones. The most common method of propagation for mock orange trees is through rooting stem cuttings. This is done by taking a cutting from the desired plant and placing it in a pot of soil. The cutting will then form its own roots and ultimately grow into a new plant.

Growth Speed

Usually, the plant growth rate is about 13 to 24 inches per year. However, young trees may grow more rapidly, up to 36 inches per year for the first few years. Once mature, the growth rate of mock orange slows down considerably.

Basic Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are powdery mildew, rust, and scab. If your tree has any of these problems, you should treat them as soon as possible. Powdery mildew can be treated with fungicide, while rust and scab can be treated with horticultural oil.

Basics of Growing

  • If you are growing mock orange trees from seed, plant the seeds in a well-drained soil mix and water regularly.
  • Once the seedlings have germinated, transplant them into individual pots.
  • Mock orange trees prefer full sun but can tolerate partial shade.
  • Water the trees regularly, especially during the summer months.
  • Fertilize the trees every few months with a balanced fertilizer.
  • Prune the mock orange trees regularly to promote growth and maintain a desired shape.
  • Mock orange trees are susceptible to a variety of pests and diseases. Watch for signs of problems and treat accordingly.
  • Mock orange trees can be grown in containers. Choose a pot that is large enough to accommodate the tree’s roots and water regularly.
  • When grown in containers, mock orange trees should be brought indoors during the winter months.
  • Mock orange trees can be

Related Plants

  • Mock Orange.
  • Sweet Orange.
  • Sour Orange.
  • Tangelo.
  • Mandarin Orange.
  • Clementine.
  • Satsuma.
  • Kumquat.
  • Pomelo.
  • Tangerine.

Source:
hawaiian_mock_orange - University of California, Riverside
Orange | Diseases and Pests, Description, Uses, Propagation
Citrus trifoliata (Hardy Orange, Trifoliate Orange) | North Carolina ...

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Trees Category