The Mock Orange (scientifically known as *Philadelphus*) is a classic ornamental shrub that’s a staple in many home gardens. A member of the hydrangea family, this beauty originally hails from Southern Europe and is beloved for the explosion of fragrant blooms it puts on from late spring through mid-summer.
Bloom Time
Starting around May, the Mock Orange really starts to show off. It produces large, white, cup-shaped flowers featuring bright yellow stamens that practically glow in the sunlight. You can enjoy these blooms all the way through the end of July. Depending on which variety you plant, the flowers might be single or double-petaled. The same goes for that famous sweet scent—some varieties are incredibly fragrant, especially as the sun goes down in the evening.
To make sure your shrub stays covered in those gorgeous flower clusters, you’ll want to be careful with your annual pruning. The flower buds actually form in the spring on branches that grow off the main shoots. My best advice? If you don’t absolutely *have* to prune it, just let it be!
Fun Facts About Mock Orange
Though it started out in Southern Europe, it’s now a favorite deciduous shrub in gardens everywhere. It can reach heights of up to 15 feet, starting with an upright growth habit before the long branches begin to arch gracefully over time. The leaves are a bright green, elliptical, and slightly toothed, reaching about 5 inches long before turning a lovely yellow in the fall.
From May onward, you’ll see those big white flower clusters developing on the short shoots. Whether they are double or single blooms, those numerous yellow filaments in the center are always a standout feature. By autumn, the flowers turn into seed capsules containing tiny 3mm seeds.
Choosing the Right Variety
There are tons of different Mock Orange varieties out there, mostly differing in flower shape and overall size. Here are a few popular ones to consider:
- Aureus: Grows up to 10 feet tall with single white flowers and a very strong fragrance.
- Nanus: Reaches about 13 feet, featuring single white flowers and a powerful scent.
- Zeyheri: Also hits about 13 feet with single white flowers, but this one is actually unscented.
- Variegatus: Grows to about 8 feet with creamy white, single flowers and a heavy scent.
- Big Scentless Mock Orange: Can reach 15 feet tall with large, single, non-fragrant blossoms.
- Schneesturm (Snowstorm): Grows to 10 feet and is famous for its double white flowers and delicate aroma.
- Littleleaf Mock Orange: A compact choice that only grows to about 3 feet, featuring creamy white flowers and a medium-strength scent.
