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Key characteristics

Family: Hydrangeaceae
Height: 8 to 10 feet
Width: 6 to 8 feet
Flower color: White with a yellow center
Foliage color: Dark green
Bloom time: Late spring to early summer
Light: Full sun to part shade
Water: Moderate
Maintenance: Low; occasional pruning after flowering to maintain shape
Growing zone: USDA zones 4 to 8
Wildlife: Bees, butterflies, and other pollinators

Shrubs

Philadelphus coronarius

Mock Orange

Philadelphus coronarius, commonly known as the mock orange, is a deciduous shrub celebrated for its fragrant white flowers. Blooming in late spring to early summer, its large clusters of blooms resemble orange blossoms, filling the air with a sweet, citrus-like fragrance. The plant's dark green leaves provide a lush backdrop to the blossoms, which are often used to create visually appealing hedges or focal points in gardens.

Light

Full sun to part shade

Water

Moderate

Bloom time

Late spring to early summer

Find this plant

Works well in

Sun Gardens
Foundation Plantings
Cottage Gardens
Pollinator Gardens

Companion plants

Gaura · Weigela · Salvia · Baptisia · Lilies · Mexican feather grass

Design tip

Take advantage of mock orange’s large height by giving it enough room to develop into a substantial flowering mass rather than keeping it tightly clipped. Prune only after flowering when shaping is necessary, preserving the abundant growth that creates its strongest spring display.

Printable plant sheet (PDF)