Description
Philadelphus lewisii hybrid | Western Mock Orange
Western Mock Orange, also commonly known as Lewis’ Mock Orange, Wild Mock Orange, and Gordon’s Mock Orange is a beautiful, fast-growing deciduous shrub native to western North America, famous for its massive profusion of heavily scented clusters of 4-petaled white flowers. It gets its name from Meriweather Lewis (of the Lewis and Clark expedition) and its incredibly sweet, citrus-like aroma that closely resembles orange blossoms.
Philadelphus lewisii grows from 6 to 12 feet tall and wide, and like all spring and summer-blooming mock oranges it flowers on the previous year’s wood, so its best to prune immediately after blooming to maintain shape and encourage fresh growth for the following season. As a bonus, if done in late summer/early autumn, you can stick the old branches in the ground and most of them will root and break into leaf the next spring. Mock-oranges are easy to propagate.
Highly adaptable, drought-tolerant once established, and capable of thriving in both full sun and partial shade. Prefers average, well-drained soil, but is quite drought-tolerant and adaptable to clay once established. It’s ideal for low-maintenance landscapes, as an informal hedge, a mixed garden border, or planted near windows, patios, and entryways where its fragrance can be fully appreciated. Plants can tolerate temperatures down to -20 F.
Mock Oranges are typically not susceptible to any serious pests or diseases. Plus they do well with little attention and they’re easy to transplant, too.
Deer-resistant and pollinator-friendly.
Cut branches make excellent, long-lasting floral arrangements.
Type: Perennial
Sun exposure: Full sun to part shade
Mature height: 8-12 ft
Mature width: 8-12 ft
Hardiness zones: 3-9
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