Mock Orange

Mock Orange Overview

Philadelphus are mostly deciduous, occasionally evergreen, shrubs that produce bowl-shaped, heavily fragrant white flowers. The flowers are draped on arching branches that compliment mixed borders, providing height and structure to a mixed flower border. Philadelphus earns its common name of Mock Orange, from the orange-like scent that its flowers emit. These scented species, in particular, have been extensively cultivated as park and garden plants for their ability to grow in a range of soil conditions (apart from very wet or dry) and they will survive temperatures down to minus 15. Clipping these shrubs straight after flowering will encourage fresh and colourful foliage for the remainder of the summer. Part of the Hydrangeaceae family, the Philadelphus genus contains around 43 species that are native to North and Central America, Asia and parts of southeastern Europe. Breeders have created many cultivars and hybrids with more abundant flowers, brighter colours and more potent scent.