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.

Plant guide

Mock orange.

Philadelphus

Pronounced fil-uh-DEL-fus

Also known as Mock Orange, Mock-oranges, Mockorange, mock oranges, mock-orange, syringa

Sweet Mock Orange — Photo by 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.

At a glance

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

Care

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

Signs it needs repotting

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.

Safety

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.

How to identify it

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

Common problems

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.

Growing it

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

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

Hardwood Cuttings

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

Division

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

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

Grows well with

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.

Keep away from

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.

Similar species

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

Through the year

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Flowering

Fruiting

Foliage

Ecological indicators

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

Taxonomy resolved against GBIF.

Questions people ask

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.

Where the name comes from

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'.

Good to know

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.

Is your mock orange looking unwell?

This page is a general guide. Pocket Botanist diagnoses problems from a photo of your actual plant, works out watering for your light and conditions, and reminds you when care is due.

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This guide was generated with AI and checked against GBIF taxonomy. It is general information, not horticultural or veterinary advice. Read about how we build these guides.