Despite the name, Mock Orange (Philadelphus coronarius) doesn’t have much in common with “true” jasmine, other than that heavenly, citrusy scent that fills the garden. When it comes to pruning, the differences are huge—mostly because Mock Orange blooms on “old wood” (stems that grew the previous year).
How Big Does Mock Orange Actually Get?
If you give it a few years, a Mock Orange can easily reach heights of 10 to 13 feet. While the young shoots start out growing straight up, they eventually arch outward, giving the shrub a lovely fountain-like shape that can spread 6 to 10 feet wide. You can expect your Mock Orange to put on about 20 inches of new growth every single year.
The Best Time to Prune Your Mock Orange
Much like the mophead hydrangea, Mock Orange sets its flower buds for the following year during the current season. This means you need to be careful with fall pruning! The best move is to snip off faded flower clusters right after they finish blooming. Just make sure you leave plenty of young, smooth-barked shoots alone—those are your flowers for next summer.
If your shrub needs a major “rejuvenation” cut, late winter (February) is the time to do it. Pick a day when it’s not freezing outside. However, don’t go overboard; you really only need to do a deep rejuvenation every two to three years. If you prune too aggressively or too often, you’ll sacrifice your flower show for at least one season.
Tips for a Successful Rejuvenation Prune
First things first: always use sharp, clean tools. This prevents the spread of disease and ensures you aren’t crushing the stems. Start by removing any dead, damaged, or diseased wood. Cut these branches as close to the base or the main trunk as possible. Next, thin out any weak stems or branches that are crossing over each other.
By now, your Mock Orange should look much airier. If it still feels crowded, you can take it a step further. Look for the oldest branches—they’ll have rough, furrowed bark—and cut a few of them back. Aim for a balanced, natural shape. Mock Orange is pretty hardy and can handle being cut back by a half to two-thirds if necessary.
Can You Grow Mock Orange from Cuttings?
Absolutely! Mock Orange is super easy to propagate with cuttings. Early summer is the sweet spot for this. Look for “softwood” cuttings—about 6 inches long from the tips of the branches that don’t have flowers. Stick them in some moist potting soil, and they should root within a few weeks. Just keep them in a bright spot out of direct sunlight while they do their thing.
The Quick Essentials:
- Blooms on old wood, so be careful not to cut off next year’s buds.
- Can handle a hard prune but may take 1–2 years to fully bounce back.
- Plan for a rejuvenation prune every 2 to 3 years.
- Thin out the center to keep air flowing.
- Remove dead or diseased wood as soon as you spot it.
- Take cuttings in early summer for new plants.
Pro Tip: Mock Orange is actually part of the hydrangea family. Just like the mophead hydrangea, it won’t bloom if you get too “clippie-happy” in the fall!
