Philadelphus lewisii, Mockorange, Pacific Northwest Native Plants, Oregon Native Plant, Sparrowhawk Native Plants, Portland
Philadelphus lewisii, Mockorange, Pacific Northwest Native Plants, Oregon Native Plant, Sparrowhawk Native Plants, Portland

Mock Orange

Philadelphus lewisii

  • Size at maturity: 6-10' tall, 4-10' wide
  • Canopy layer: large shrub
  • Light requirements: full sun to full shade
  • Moisture requirements: dry to moist soil
  • Growth rate: fast
  • Special features: fragrant blossoms

The common name of the Mock Orange refers to the beautiful white, sweetly fragrant blossoms which appear in abundance in late spring and early summer. The 1” flowers are in large clusters at the ends of the twigs, and are eventually replaced by clusters of 1/4” woody seed capsules. Mock Orange is widely used as an ornamental garden shrub. (Portland Plant List, 2016)

Photo Credit 1: "File:Philadelphus lewisii 5.jpg" by ThayneT is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

Photo Credit 2: Eileen Stark