Last updated on December 2nd, 2011
When, in early June, my three mock oranges are in bloom, I ponder them with the greatest appreciation. These deciduous shrubs were not planted by me, but by another thoughtful gardener decades ago, who must have cherished the sparkling white flowers and delicious, jasmine-like fragrance. I shall pass these plants on to other hands some day too, for mock orange (Philadelphus) is a perennial in the truest sense of the word.
All of my mock oranges are the same variety. But what that variety is called, I haven’t a clue. Perhaps someone who specializes in Philadelphus will let me know. The shrubs are 6-8 feet in height, about the same in width. Flowers are single, with bright gold stamens. 
In the house, mock orange makes a delightful cut flower. The twiggy stems, in fact, are indispensible for holding up an arrangement of English roses that would otherwise fall out of a bowl or vase. Placed in a blue and white china bowl, stems of mock orange, perennial blue salvia and a few colorful roses make an exquisite, and very fragrant, bouquet for dining table or mantelpiece.
Culture: New plants fare best in good, loose soil, to which plenty of leaf mold or composted cow manure has been incorporated. Additional fertilizer is not required. Water deeply once each week during the first season of growth. Philadelphus will adapt itself to full sun, partial sun and even dense shade. Once established, it requires no care whatsoever, beyond a light springtime pruning immediately after the flowers have faded. Shrubs are hardy in zones 4-8.
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Yolanda says
Kevin, your mock oranges sound divine. Can I plant one in my garden now, or should I wait until next spring?
Justin says
From your description, it sounds like you have the 'Natchez' variety.
Kevin Lee Jacobs says
Yolanda – container-grown philadelphus can be planted at any time. With bare-root plants, wait until the fall.
Justin – Thank you!
Greg Draiss says
Kevin: Beautiful gardens. I am jealous! I am a horticulturist by trade who has very little thyme to work in my garden because I am helping others grow theirs!
I am in Coxsackie and dealing with heavy clay but getting by with raised beds!
Regards
Greg Draiss
Kevin Lee Jacobs says
Greg – Nice to meet you! I'm definitely with you on raised beds. Why suffer with poor soil?
Do stop by again!
Maureen says
Hi Kevin
There is nothing like the fragrance of a Mock Orange . I remember my mother opening the kitchen window and that intoxicating scent. It is still going strong at 50 + years. I planted one in my yard last year. I have been checking it daily but no flowers yet-not even buds. Is that usual? Cheers.
Maureen
Kevin Lee Jacobs says
Welcome, Maureen! I have not had experience with young Philadelphus. My plants are old, just like your mother's. I have read complaints about young shrubs refusing to bloom. Perhaps it just needs time. Which variety did you plant?
quietnow says
Hi Maureen…
I have transferred several mock orange starts around my yard and they ‘ve taken the first two years to build foliage and hard stems…. then they bust out in beautiful blossoms. There are only about 10 blossoms on the small one planted last Spring… hundreds on the plant from the year before. The mature plants are thick, flowery hedges.
carol says
i can t keep the mock orange blooms alive inside after 1 day, what am i doing wrong?