Philadelphus inodorus (Scentless Mock Orange)

Tough and fast-growing, Philadelphus inodorus (Scentless Mock Orange) is a dense, upright-oval, deciduous shrub with multiple erect branches that tend to arch with age. In late spring to early summer, it boasts profuse clusters of cup-shaped, 4-petaled, white flowers, 1 in. across (2.5 cm). Borne along the new growth, the blossoms contrast nicely against the foliage of oval, serrated, dark green leaves, 2-4 in. long (5-10 cm). The branches exfoliate in strips and develop a paper-like, orange-brown bark over time. While this strong-growing shrub is magnificent in bloom, it tends to fade into the background the rest of the year. Easy to grow, Scentless Mock Orange is adaptable to a wide range of well-drained soils and tolerates drought, heat and humidity. It makes a good border plant or screen and can be planted along woodland edges. This eastern and central US native is also great for slope stabilization and naturalization.

• Grows up to 6-10 ft. tall (180-300 cm) and 6-8 ft. wide (180-240 cm).
• A full sun to part shade lover, this plant is best grown in average, moist, well-drained soils. Tolerates drought, heat and humidity.
• Great for shrub borders, foundation plantings, informal flowering hedges.
• Generally pest and disease free. The flexible stems withstand wind, snow, and ice.
• Blooms on previous year’s wood, so prune immediately after flowering. Old plants can be rejuvenated after flowering by cutting about one-third of the old growth.
• Native to eastern and central USA.