For stunning citrus fragrance in the garden, you can't go wrong with the mock orange shrub (Philadelphus virginalis). This late spring-blooming deciduous bush looks great when placed in the border, used in groups as screening, or simply as a stand alone specimen plant. They even make excellent cut flowers indoors.
What Does Mock Orange Mean?
Though it's not a true orange, its name supposedly derives from the fragrant white flowers which in some varieties are thought to resemble that of orange blossoms. While the blooming of this lovely shrub is short (only about a week or two), you can still enjoy the dark green foliage of mock orange plants. Mock orange bushes come in many varieties, ranging in height from 4 to 8 feet (1-2 m.) or more.
How to Grow a Mock Orange Bush
Mock orange shrubs are hardy in zones 4 through 8. They enjoy areas with full sun to partial shade and moist, well-drained soil. Adding compost to the soil will help improve most issues.
When planting mock orange bushes, dig your planting hole deep enough to accommodate all of the roots. Be sure to spread the roots out and add soil halfway, tamping it down before adding in the remaining soil. Water well after planting.
Your mock orange shrub will require consistent moisture until it's established, and though it is somewhat drought tolerant, the bush prefers to be kept in moist conditions. Mulching the area around the shrub will help the soil retain moisture and minimize watering needs.
Mock oranges are not usually heavy feeders, though a water-soluble, all-purpose fertilizer may be used in late winter/early spring as needed if you feel the plant is not growing as well as it should. Annual pruning will keep the plant looking good and help with maintaining its shape.
Since the shrub blooms on the previous year's growth, pruning needs to be done soon after the blooming period in early summer. Simply prune off the growth just above the outer facing buds on stems that have finished flowering.
Overgrown shrubs can be pruned back by a third, though this may reduce flowering next season.
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Mock Orange Pruning Tips: Cutting Back Mock Orange ShrubsFor the overall general health of the shrub, mock orange pruning should be done once a year, not just when it doesn't bloom or has gotten overgrown. Even dwarf varieties need a good pruning each year. Click this article to learn how to trim mock orange shrubs.
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No Flowers On Mock Orange: Why A Mock Orange Bloom Does Not BloomIt's late spring and the neighborhood is filled with the sweet scent of mock orange blooms. You check your mock orange and it doesn't have a single bloom, yet all others are covered with them. Click here to learn why there are no flowers on mock orange.
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Transplanting Mock Orange Shrubs: Learn When To Transplant Mock OrangeIf you are planting or transplanting mock orange shrubs, you'll need to know how and when to start the process. For information about how to transplant a mock orange shrub, this article can help. Click here to learn more.
