These shrubs have a fairly quick growth rate and can gain around 2 feet per year.
They are best planted in the early fall but also can be planted in the spring.
They are rich with nectar thatattracts hummingbirds, butterflies, bees, and other pollinators.
The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
Mock Orange Varieties
Mock orange plants fall into the family Philadelphaceae.
Note that the flowers are most fragrant in the evening.
Mock Orange Care
Maintenance is generally very simple for mock orange shrubs.
The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
They dont often have issues with pests or diseases.
These plants prefer acidic or neutral soil and need full or partial sun.
Plan both to fertilize and prune your shrub annually.
The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
Just double-check their planting site has good drainage, as these shrubs can’t tolerate soggy soil.
They will generally bloom more profusely when planted in full sun.
Soil
Mock orange shrubs like organically rich soil.
The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
Moreover, they do best with an acidic to neutralsoil pH.
Water
These shrubs prefer moist but not soggy soil.
They do have somedrought toleranceonce theyre established, but dont let the soil completely dry out on them.
Water mature shrubs during periods of drought, and water young shrubs to keep the soil lightly moist.
They will appreciate some extra water and protection from harsh afternoon sun in excessive heat.
Humidity typically isnt an issue for these plants.
Fertilizer
Mix some compost, bark humus, or manure into the soil when planting mock orange.
You could also use awell-balanced fertilizerlightly throughout the growing season.
Do not use a nitrogen-rich fertilizer.
It can significantly increase leaf growth, which can hinder or even stop blossom growth.
Pruning
Mock orange shrubs bloom on the prior year’s growth.
After three years of such pruning, the shrub should look healthier.
If the overgrowth is severe, prune all the branches to the ground in the spring.
Taking cuttings is best done in the summer when the shrub is actively growing.
They will readily rebloom year after year as long as the shrub remains healthy and in optimal growing conditions.
Adequate sunlight is a key factor in getting this shrub to bloom profusely.
It is not necessary todeadheadthe flowers (remove spent blooms).
However, inadequate growing conditions or care can result in some common issues.
Prune immediately after your shrub is done flowering for the season as to not remove next year’s buds.
Environmental conditions also influence blooming.
Example: If you are using lawn fertilizer near your shrub, it may get too much nitrogen.
Use a soil test to check the soil’s nitrogen levels.
Leaves Turning Yellow
Yellowing foliageon a mock orange shrub is often a sign of overwatering.
While this shrub likes moist soil, it does not do well when waterlogged.
see to it your soil is draining well, and try putting a little more time in between waterings.
They are also versatile, and able to thrive in the ground and containers.
Mature mock orange plants are deer-resistant, however, younger plants are still somewhat susceptible to the animals appetite.
Popular companion plants to mock orange includeroses,witch hazel,ninebark,dogwood, andsnowberry.
Any native shrubs in your region will likely do well alongside them too.
Why Plants Fail to Flower or Fruit.Clemson University Cooperative Extension.
