How to Grow Philadelphus Mock Orange - Plant Care & Tips

By NorwichGardener Team / 2024

Philadelphus mock orange is a popular ornamental plant. It is famed for its large, white, fragrant flowers which bloom in late spring and early summer. The flowers are followed by clusters of orange-red berries which are attractive to birds. The plant is native to Europe, but it has been introduced to many other parts of the world, including North America.

How to Grow Philadelphus Mock Orange - Plant Care & Tips

Also called

false orange
mock orange
orange jessamine
white orange
wild orange

Things to Know

Philadelphus mock orange is a deciduous shrub that is native to North America.
It is also known as the sweet mock orange, wild mock orange, or simply mock orange.
The shrub typically grows to between 6 and 12 feet tall.
The leaves of the mock orange are oval-shaped and have a toothed margin. They are dark green in color and turn yellow in fall.
The mock orange produces white, fragrant flowers in early summer.
The shrub is tolerant of a range of soil types and prefers full sun to partial shade.
Mock orange is a popular choice for hedges and screens due to its dense growth habit.
The shrub is also a food source for a number of wildlife species, including deer, rabbits, and songbirds.
Mock orange is susceptible to a range of diseases and pests, including powdery mildew, leaf spot, and aphids.
Mock orange is a hardy shrub and can tolerate both drought and cold temperatures.

Related plant:
Philadelphus Coronarius Aureus

Growing Steps

For philadelphus mock orange, first step is to select a suitable location. Look for an area with well-draining soil and full sun to partial shade.
Prepare the planting area by removing all weeds and grasses. loosen the soil with a shovel or spade.
Dig a hole that is twice the width and depth of the plants root ball.
Place the plant in the hole and backfill with soil. Firm the soil around the plant.
Water the plant deeply immediately after planting.
Apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around the plant to help retain moisture and control weeds.
philadelphus mock orange is a fast-growing plant, so it will need to be pruned annually to keep it from getting too large.
In late spring or early summer, philadelphus mock orange will produce an abundance of fragrant white flowers.
After the flowers fade, the plant will produce small orange fruits. These fruits are not edible.
philadelphus mock orange is a deciduous plant, so it will lose its leaves in the fall.

Related plant:
Philadelphus Minnesota Snowflake

The Soil

About soil condition, philadelphus mock orange prefers well-drained, sandy to gravelly soils with a pH of 6.0-7.5. It is not very tolerant of wet soils and will not survive in sites that are waterlogged for prolonged periods. This shrub also does not do well in heavy clay soils.

About light

Just like other plants, the Philadelphus Mock Orange benefits from a few hours of sunlight each day. However, too much sun can scorch the leaves, so it's important to find a balance. The plant will do best in an area that gets sun in the morning and shade in the afternoon.

The Temperature

The temperature condition for the Philadelphus mock orange is that it prefers full sun to partial shade, and it should be grown in an area that has average to moist soil. It is also important to note that this plant is not tolerant of drought conditions.

Humidity Requirement

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is between 40% to 60%. The soil should be evenly moist but never soggy. Allow the top inch of soil to dry out before watering. If the leaves start to droop, that is a sign that the plant is not getting enough water.

Fertilizing

The fertilizer, usually the plant 's food, is one of the things that must be taken care of when growing the Philadelphus mock orange. This is because, like any other plant, the mock orange needs certain nutrients to grow properly. These nutrients can be found in commercial fertilizers, but some gardeners prefer to make their own. Homemade fertilizers are usually made from manure or compost.

Plant Pruning

Pruning is an important part of caring for your mock orange plant. By pruning, you can control the size and shape of the plant, as well as encourage new growth. To prune, first, remove any dead or diseased branches. Next, cut back any branches that are growing out of control. Finally, shape the plant by pruning any branches that are too long or too thick.

The Propagation

Propagation of mock orange is typically done through softwood cuttings taken from new growth in late spring or early summer. Cuttings should be 4-6 inches long and taken from the tips of the stems. The cuttings should be placed in a well-draining potting mix and kept moist. Once roots have developed, the plants can be transplanted into their permanent location.

Growth Speed

Usually, the plant growth rate is considered to be fast. They are known to gain about two feet in height each year until they reach full maturity. At this point, growth slows down significantly, though the plant may still gain a few inches in height each year.

Common Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are powdery mildew, rust, and leaf spot. These can all be controlled with fungicides. If you see any of these problems on your plant, be sure to treat it as soon as possible.

Tips on Growing

Do not forget to mulch your philadelphus mock orange plant. This will help to protect the roots from the heat of the summer sun and the cold of the winter.
Water your plant regularly. The philadelphus mock orange plant is drought tolerant but will appreciate a consistent watering schedule.
Fertilize your plant every spring with a balanced fertilizer.
Prune your plant annually to encourage new growth and to keep it from getting too leggy.
Place your plant in an area that receives full sun to partial shade.
The philadelphus mock orange plant is deer resistant.
The plant can reach up to 10 feet in height and 6 feet in width.
The philadelphus mock orange plant is a fast grower.
The plant is tolerant of a wide range of soil types but prefers well-drained soil.