Mock Orange

One of the most beautiful but notably underused natives of early summer/late spring is the Mock Orange, Philadelphus lewisii. The flower gets its common name from the delicious orange scent that makes it alluring to humans and bees.

The genus Philadelphus consists of around 65 plants^[1]. The natural habitat of Mock Orange spans North America, Japan, parts of Europe, and northern Asia.

This multi-stemmed deciduous shrub grows 4 to 6 feet and has long arching branches.

Blooming for several weeks from late May/early June, the branches are covered in many snow-white flowers consisting mainly of four light yellow petals in the middle.

The oval leaves start out pale green in spring and turn yellow in fall.

Cite This Page