Sweet Mock Orange (often called *Duftjasmin* in Germany) is a hardy shrub that can stay outdoors in your garden all year round. If you’re looking to add that incredible fragrance to your yard, here’s everything you need to know about where and how to plant it so it thrives through every season.
The Best Time to Plant Mock Orange
Technically, you can get your Mock Orange in the ground any time of year. Most garden centers sell them either root-balled or in containers. As long as the ground isn’t frozen solid, these well-rooted plants are ready to go. However, if you’re planting in the fall, just a quick tip: make sure to give those young, new roots a little extra love by applying a layer of mulch to protect them from the winter chill.
Finding the Perfect Spot
When it comes to picking a home for your Mock Orange, it’s actually pretty low-maintenance. It doesn’t ask for much! Here are the main things to look for in a great location:
- Plenty of light.
- Full sun to partial shade (it really loves soaking up those rays).
- Soil that is loose and drains well.
Soil Quality Matters
Your Mock Orange will be happiest in soil that is rich in nutrients and nice and airy. The biggest “no-no” is standing water—this plant hates having “wet feet.” If your garden soil is a bit heavy or clay-like, try mixing in some expanded clay, sand, or gravel to help with drainage.
How to Plant Your Mock Orange
Ready to get digging? Follow these simple steps to get your shrub off to a great start:
- Dig a hole that’s plenty big. Your Mock Orange will grow best if the hole is about one-and-a-half to two times the size of the root ball.
- Before you pop the plant in, mix a little compost or horn meal into the hole to give it a nice nutrient boost.
- Place the plant, fill the hole back up with soil, press down lightly to remove air pockets, and give it a good drink of water.
- If you’re planting it as a standalone feature, give it plenty of room to spread out. If you’re planning to grow it as a hedge, I recommend spacing the plants about 30 to 40 inches (80–100 cm) apart.
Can You Transplant It?
If you realize your Mock Orange would look better in a different spot, don’t worry! Moving young plants is a breeze. For older, more established shrubs, it’s a bit more of a workout because they develop an extensive root system, but it’s definitely still doable with a little extra elbow grease.
