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Guide botanique

Mock orange.

Philadelphus

Prononciation fil-uh-DEL-fus

Aussi appelée Mock Orange, Mock-oranges, Mockorange, mock oranges, mock-orange, syringa

Sweet Mock Orange
Photo de Martin Scheuch (CC BY) via iNaturalist

Mock orange is a popular deciduous shrub known for its incredibly fragrant, white flowers that bloom in late spring to early summer. It's a relatively low-maintenance plant, offering a beautiful display and sweet scent to any garden.

En un coup d'œil

Care level
Easy
Plant type
Shrub
Light
Full sun to partial shade
Indoor light
bright-indirect
Water
Every 7 to 14 days
Mature size
Up to 10 feet tall and wide
Growth rate
medium
Hardiness
USDA 3 to 8
Bloom time
Late spring to early summer

Entretien

Mock orange thrives in well-drained soil and prefers full sun to partial shade. Pruning after flowering helps maintain shape and encourages blooms for the next season. Watch for aphids, which can sometimes be a nuisance.

Watering
Water regularly, especially during dry spells, but avoid waterlogged soil.
Feeding
Fertilize in early spring with a balanced fertilizer if desired, though often not necessary.
Pruning
Prune immediately after flowering to shape and remove dead or overgrown branches.
Repotting
Established shrubs rarely need repotting; transplanting is best done in early spring or fall.
Soil
Well-drained loam
Soil pH
Slightly acidic to neutral (6.0 to 7.0)
Temperature
-34.4 to 32.2°C
Humidity
40 to 60%
Drought tolerance
moderate
Lifespan
Perennial, typically 15 to 20 years or more.
Fragrance
strong
Deer and rabbits
moderate

Signes qu'il faut rempoter

  • Roots growing out of the drainage holes.
  • Water drains very slowly or not at all.
  • Plant dries out much faster than usual.
  • Visible salt or mineral buildup on the soil surface.

Sécurité

People
Ingestion may cause mild stomach upset.
Children
No specific safety concerns for children, though ingestion should be avoided.
Contact allergens
No significant contact allergens are known.
Airborne allergens
Pollen may cause seasonal allergies in sensitive individuals.
Edibility
This plant is not intended for human consumption.

Comment l'identifier

  • Fragrant white flowers
  • Opposite, toothed leaves
  • Deciduous shrub
  • Arching branches
  • Peeling bark on older stems
Height
0.9 to 3m
Spread
0.9 to 3m
Leaves
Green, deciduous
Flowers
White, 2 to 5cm

Problèmes courants

  • Aphids Small, pear-shaped insects that feed on plant sap, causing distorted growth and sticky honeydew.
  • Powdery Mildew A fungal disease that appears as white, powdery spots on leaves and stems, especially in humid conditions.
  • Leaf Spot Fungal or bacterial infections causing discolored spots on leaves, which can lead to premature leaf drop.

La cultiver

Propagation
Cuttings, Division
When to plant
Spring, Fall
Overwintering
Mockorange is a hardy shrub that generally does not require special overwintering care. In very cold regions, a layer of mulch around the base can help protect the roots from extreme temperature fluctuations.
In containers
Mockorange can be grown in containers, but it prefers a larger pot, at least 15-20 gallons, to accommodate its root system and eventual size.

Softwood Cuttings

  1. Take 4-6 inch cuttings from new growth in late spring or early summer.
  2. Remove lower leaves and dip the cut end in rooting hormone.
  3. Insert cuttings into a moist potting mix.
  4. Keep consistently moist and provide bright, indirect light.
  5. Roots should form within 4-6 weeks.

Hardwood Cuttings

  1. Take 6-10 inch cuttings from dormant, mature wood in late fall or winter.
  2. Remove lower leaves and side shoots.
  3. Insert cuttings into a prepared bed of moist sand or potting mix, leaving two buds exposed.
  4. Keep the medium consistently moist and protect from harsh winter conditions.
  5. Roots typically form by spring.

Division

  1. Dig up established clumps in early spring or fall.
  2. Carefully divide the root ball into sections, ensuring each section has roots and shoots.
  3. Replant the divisions immediately at the same depth.
  4. Water thoroughly after planting.

Plant mockorange with shrubs that appreciate similar light and moisture conditions for a harmonious garden design.

Bonnes associations

  • Weigela These shrubs bloom around the same time and have similar cultural needs, creating a beautiful spring display together.
  • Spirea Spireas offer varied bloom times and foliage textures that complement mockorange well.
  • Hydrangea Hydrangeas provide later season blooms and contrasting flower forms, extending the garden's interest.
  • Hostas Hosta's lush foliage provides a lovely ground cover under mockorange, especially in shadier spots.

À éloigner de

  • Black Walnut Black walnut trees exude juglone, a substance toxic to many plants, including mockorange.
  • Very Poorly Drained Soil Mockorange dislikes constantly waterlogged conditions, which can lead to root rot.

Espèces similaires

  • Sweet Mockorange Often considered the classic mockorange, it has very fragrant white flowers and similar growth habits.
  • Littleleaf Mockorange This species is smaller and more drought-tolerant, with smaller leaves and flowers.
  • Virginia Sweetspire While not a Philadelphus, it shares a similar native range and fragrant white flowers, blooming later in the season.

Science

Family
Hydrangeaceae
Genus
Philadelphus
Order
Cornales
Class
Magnoliopsida
Native range
North America, Europe, and Asia.
Conservation
Not of conservation concern.

Mockorange typically grows in woodlands, thickets, and along stream banks, preferring moist, well-drained soils.

Value to wildlife
nectar source
Pollinators
bees, butterflies, moths
Uses
ornamental, fragrance

Au fil des saisons

JFMAMJJASOND
Flowering
Fruiting
Foliage

Repères écologiques

Salinity
2/9
Soil reaction
6/9
Light
6/9
Temperature
6/9
Moisture
5/9
Nutrients
5/9

Taxonomie vérifiée avec le GBIF.

Ce qu'on demande souvent

When is the best time to prune mockorange?
Prune immediately after flowering to avoid removing next year's flower buds.
How much sun does mockorange need?
Full sun to partial shade is ideal for best flowering.
Is mockorange a type of orange tree?
No, despite its common name, it is not related to orange trees; the name comes from its fragrant flowers.
Does mockorange attract pollinators?
Yes, its flowers are attractive to bees, butterflies, and moths.

D'où vient le nom

The common name 'Mockorange' refers to its flowers resembling those of the orange tree, though it is not related. The scientific name, Philadelphus, is derived from Greek words meaning 'loving brother'.

Bon à savoir

  • Mockorange is the state flower of Idaho.
  • The genus name Philadelphus comes from Greek, meaning 'loving brother'.
  • Some species have edible fruits, though they are not commonly cultivated for this purpose.
  • The fragrance of mockorange is often strongest in the evening.

Ton mock orange a mauvaise mine ?

Cette page est un guide général. Pocket Botanist diagnostique les problèmes directement à partir d'une photo de ta plante, adapte l'arrosage à sa luminosité et te prévient quand il faut t'en occuper.

Télécharger l'appli

Ce guide a été généré par IA et vérifié avec la taxonomie du GBIF. Il s'agit d'informations générales, et non de conseils horticoles ou vétérinaires. Découvre comment nous concevons ces guides.