Philadelphus coronarius (Mock Orange)

Philadelphus coronarius (Mock Orange) is a dense, rounded, suckering, deciduous shrub with stiff, straight, ascending branches. In late spring to early summer, its pleasantly arching branches bear abundant clusters of very fragrant, cup-shaped, 4-petaled, white flowers, 1 in. across (2.5 cm). The blossoms contrast nicely against the foliage of oval, remotely serrated, dark green leaves. The branches exfoliate in strips to reveal the pale brown bark. While this strong-growing old favorite is magnificent in bloom, it tends to fade into the background the rest of the year. Still, the legendary mock orange fragrance and the thousands of blossoms at one time are good enough reasons to plant one. Consider planting near a patio, so the fragrance can be enjoyed.

• Grows up to 10-12 ft. tall and wide (300-360 cm).
• A full sun to light shade lover, this plant is best grown in average, medium moisture, well-drained soils. Thrives in moist, organically rich soils.
• Great for shrub borders, foundation plantings, and informal flowering hedges.
• Generally pest and disease free. Keep an eye out for leaf spots, canker, powdery mildew, and rust.
• Blooms on previous year’s wood, so prune immediately after flowering. Old plants can be rejuvenated after flowering by cutting old wood back to the ground. Removal of suckers may be required if a colony is not desired.
• Native to southeastern Europe and Asia Minor.