Philadelphus (Mock Orange, Sweet Mock-Orange) Growing Tips
Named after Ptolemy II Philadelphus, a Greek king, the Philadelphus (genus within the Hydrangeaceae family) or more commonly referenced, mock orange shrub, is well-known for its pleasant smell. This shrub is a hardy perennial with fragrant white or creamy colour flowers that bloom late spring and early summer.
The “mock orange” name is derived from its fragrant, citrus-like blooms resembling orange blossoms – though unrelated to citrus plants. Valued for adding its sweet citrus scent in gardens – intensity varies by cultivar (see list below).
To avoid confusion, it is worth mentioning this shrub is distinctly different from Choisya ternata (Mexican orange blossom), an evergreen in the Rutaceae family, with a very similar name.
The Philadelphus mock orange shrub is undoubtedly an attractive large shrub, with its long arching branches reaching over with dozens of small 4-petaled (single or double) flower clusters. It attracts hummingbirds, bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. Planted near a window or pathway, the mock orange shrub captivates and draws you into the garden with its orange-scented blossoms. There are also a few hybrids that are smaller and more compact for a small garden bed.
This easy-care deciduous shrub requires pruning once a year – more below how to plant and grow a mock orange and the best time to prune it.
The mock orange is native to North and Central America, Asia and Europe. Here in British Columbia, the P. lewisii or ‘Wild Mock Orange’ is a native plant to the Pacific Northwest. It was introduced to Britain in 1825 by Scottish botanist David Douglas. It grows naturally in southern British Columbia through to northern California USA, and eastwards to Alberta in Canada and Montana in the USA. It is a beautiful multi-stemmed, medium to large type with snow-white fragrant flowers. As a side note, alternative spellings for this plant include mock-orange, or mockorange, or mock orange – in case you were wondering, all are acceptable.
Though generally safe around pets and humans, the Philadelphus mock orange shrub is listed as a poisonous plant and should be handled with care. It can cause mild stomach discomfort if ingested, or skin reactions on contact such as a rash or swelling.
Mock Orange is a timeless choice for gardeners seeking a fragrant, low-care shrub with classic beauty. Its versatility and sensory appeal make it a standout in diverse landscapes. Ideal as a specimen plant, hedge, or screen or planted near patios, walkways, or a window to enjoy the scent.
By following these guidelines, your Philadelphus will thrive, offering fragrant blooms and healthy growth year after year.
Which Is The Most Fragrant Philadelphus (Mock Orange) Shrub
The enchanting citrus-like, fresh fragrance from the mock orange is often the initial attraction to adding this plant to a garden. And a frequently asked question is which mock orange has the strongest smell. While most species and varieties have a strong scent, there are a few more potent than others.
At the top of the list is the P. coronarius or ‘Sweet Mock Orange,’ which has a rich, intense fragrance. It is said to be the most fragrant of all the species. It is a large shrub and grows up to 3.5 metres and just as wide at full maturity, so it may not be suitable for all gardens.
The smaller P. microphyllus or ‘Littleleaf Mock Orange’ is also heavily scented and grows to only about .75 metres.
There are also a few cultivated hybrids with strongly scented blossoms, such as the P. ‘Avalanche’ and P. ‘Belle Etoile’.
Keep these names in mind and check at your local garden store to see what varieties of mock orange are available in your area.
Plants With A Similar Common Name: Mexican Mock Orange
Philadelphus (Mock Orange) At A Glance
Type: Deciduous Shrub
Location: Full Sun / Partial Shade (best bloom in full sun)
Blooming Season: Late Spring / Early Summer
When To Prune: Late spring / early summer (immediately after flowering – see pruning tips below)
Height: Varies from .5 – 3.5 metres (1.5 – 12 feet)
Plant Hardiness Zones: 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 (varies by species)
Where to Plant and How to Care for Mock Orange
The mock orange shrub thrives in a sunny location (6+ hours daily for optimal flowering), but can tolerate partial shade or light shade site.
It is best planted in autumn or early spring-time when temperatures are mild.
The soil should be moist, humus-rich and well-drained. Adaptable to most pH levels it prefers slightly acidic to neutral soil. Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged for the first year. Established plants are drought-tolerant but benefit from deep watering during dry hot spells.
Mock orange benefits with mulch in spring and an application of balanced organic slow-release fertilizer (10-10-10) – this is especially needed when hard pruning. Avoid high nitrogen to prevent excessive foliage over flowers.
Propagation is easy and can be done by seed, stem cuttings or root suckers. Start mid-summer for softwood cuttings (hardwood cuttings best taken in autumn or winter) and keep in a greenhouse or in a cool area indoors during cold winter. Plant out the following spring. Propagation by seeds is possible but slower.
When and How to Prune Mock Orange Shrubs
Like most multiple stemmed deciduous shrubs, routine annual pruning is recommended for new stem growth and flower production. Prune immediately after flowering to remove old wood and shape. If neglected, a mock orange can get overcrowded and messy with weak stems.
By late spring or early summer cut back flowering shoots, immediately after flowers have faded. Pruning later risks removing next year’s buds. Prune down to where a new shoot is developing. Flowers develop on previous year’s growth. Trimming back spent flower stems helps to shape the shrub.
Annual pruning by removing a quarter of the oldest stems from the base helps to maintain a healthy mock orange and prevent legginess. Remove dead, damaged or crossing branches. This encourages new flower-bearing shoots from the base and increase airflow. This should be done soon after the flowers have faded in late spring or early summer.
A neglected or overgrown mock orange shrub may need restoration pruning to restore flowering, decrease overcrowding and increase airflow. A staggered approach over two or three years is best for mock orange shrubs in this condition.
For restoration pruning of a mock orange shrub there are two approaches with hard pruning.
You can prune after flowering in late spring or early summer by removing a third of the old stems from the base (about a couple of inches from the ground). In addition pruning dead, damaged or crossing stems. This will invigorate the plant and allow light, airflow through the shrub and encourage new shoots. The following year remove another third of the old stems. Over the course of a few years, any overcrowding and straggly stems will be remedied to an established mock orange shrub. However if you decide to hard prune a mock orange be prepared to lose out on an abundance of flowers for a year or two while it recovers.
Alternatively, you can rejuvenate a overgrown shrub by cutting all stems to one foot in late winter, though this sacrifices all blooms for at least one to two seasons.
Young plants should only be pruned lightly to encourage new growth. However if it is still straggly, a young plant can be cut back to about half of its length. This will encourage new shoots from its base, and will help boost a bushy habit.
Remember to always water your shrubs after pruning to reduce stress.
RELATED TOPIC: Buyer’s Guide How To Choose Garden Hand Pruners (Secateurs)
Tools Needed For Pruning Philadelphus (Mock Orange)
Below is the list of essential tools needed to prune a mock orange shrub. Depending on the shrub’s maturity, you may need a pruning saw for thicker stems of a neglected and overcrowded mock orange. For routine annual pruning, a good quality bypass hand pruner and a long-handled pruner may be all that is needed.
- Hand Pruners – Bypass pruners are the most popular choice for gardeners and a must have when pruning your mock orange shrub to cut back old flower-bearing stems.
- Loppers – Similar to pruners, loppers are heavy-duty pruners but with longer handles. Needed for those harder to reach stems on a tall mock orange. Also for those thicker stems that are more than the hand pruner should cut.
- Pruning Saw – Pruning saws are useful for thick stems that are growing close together especially at the base of the mock orange.
- Garden Gloves – When pruning mock orange, it is recommended to use gloves, especially if you have sensitive skin, to limit possible irritation.
RELATED TOPIC: Buyer’s Guide How To Choose A Pruning Saw (Garden Handsaw)
Philadelphus (Mock Orange) Plant Toxicity
Mock orange is not edible. It is listed as a poisonous plant to pets and humans and should be handled with care. It can cause mild stomach discomfort or skin dermatitis. Having said that, the seeds are consumed by squirrels, and the hummingbirds and bees love the nectar from the flowers.
Pests, Diseases and Troubleshooting
This delicate-looking shrub is actually hardy, and is generally trouble-free and low-maintenance.
Watch for leaf miners or aphids (treat with insecticidal soap).
Occasionally the mock orange can be affected by leaf spot or powdery mildrew. Improve air circulation with pruning and avoid overhead watering.
Poor flowering may be due to insufficient sun, improper pruning timing, or excess nitrogen.
For yellow leaves, check for nutrient deficiencies (iron or magnesium) or overwatering.
The citrus scent makes is deer resistant.
