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Mock Orange

Philadelphus coronarius

Please keep in mind that it is illegal to uproot a plant without the landowner's consent and care should be taken at all times not to damage wild plants. Wild plants should never be picked for pleasure and some plants are protected by law.
For more information please download the BSBI Code of Conduct PDF document.

Plant Profile
Other Information
Distribution Map

Flowering Months:

JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC

Order:

Cornales

Family:

Hydrangeaceae (Hydrangea)

Also in this family:

French Hydrangea

Type:

Deciduous shrub

Life Cycle:

Perennial

Maximum Size:

3 metres tall

Habitats:

Fields, gardens, hedgerows, parks, roadsides, scrub, seaside, wasteland, woodland.

Flower:

White, 4 petals

The flowers of Mock Orange appear in clusters of 5 to 7. They are bowl-shaped and approximately 3cm in diameter. Numerous yellow stamens. Pollinated by bees.

Fruit:

The fruit of Mock Orange (Philadelphus) is typically a dry, brown capsule. These capsules contain small seeds and develop after the flowering period. The fruit is not typically a prominent feature of the shrub, and its primary ornamental appeal lies in the fragrant and showy white flowers rather than the fruit. The capsules may persist on the shrub after the blooming season, adding a subtle visual element to the plant. The primary focus of cultivation and appreciation for Mock Orange in the UK is usually on the lush and aromatic blossoms rather than the inconspicuous fruit.

Leaves:

Simple, lanceolate to oval-shaped, dark green, toothed leaves which appear in opposite pairs. The leaves are 3 to 6cm in length and turn yellow in autumn. Commonly grown in gardens but occasionally self-seeds.

Aroma:

The aroma of Mock Orange is renowned for its sweet and citrusy fragrance. The white, often cup-shaped flowers of the shrub emit a delightful scent that is reminiscent of orange blossoms, giving rise to the common name "Mock Orange." The fragrance is typically strong and pleasant, adding to the plant's appeal as an ornamental in gardens and landscapes. The scent is most pronounced during the blooming season, making it a sought-after choice for those who appreciate fragrant flowering plants in the UK.

Other Names:

English Dogwood, Fragrant Mockorange, Sweet Mock-orange.

Frequency (UK):

Occasionally seen

Summary

Philadelphus coronarius, commonly known as mock orange, is a flowering shrub that is native to Europe and western Asia. It is a deciduous shrub that can grow up to 3 meters tall. The plant produces fragrant, white flowers that bloom in late spring to early summer. The flowers have a citrus-like scent, which gives the plant its common name. The plant is used as an ornamental plant in gardens and landscapes, and it is also used for hedging. The plant is relatively hardy and can tolerate a wide range of soils and growing conditions. It is also drought-tolerant and doesn't require regular pruning, but the dead wood can be removed after flowering. The plant is also known as Syringa coronaria and Philadelphus lewisii.

Blog

The Mock Orange, scientifically known as Philadelphus coronarius, is a deciduous shrub that belongs to the Hydrangeaceae family. It is native to Southern Europe and the Caucasus region but is commonly found in gardens and parks throughout North America.

This attractive shrub can grow up to 10 feet in height and 6 feet in width, making it an excellent choice for a variety of landscape designs. It produces beautiful white flowers that are highly fragrant, making it a popular choice for gardeners who want to create a sensory experience in their outdoor spaces.

The leaves of the Mock Orange are dark green, with a slightly glossy appearance, and they are arranged opposite each other on the stems. In the spring, the plant produces clusters of white flowers that can range in size from 1-2 inches in diameter. The flowers have a sweet scent that is often compared to the scent of orange blossoms, hence the common name "Mock Orange."

The Mock Orange is relatively easy to grow and maintain, making it a great option for both novice and experienced gardeners. It prefers full sun to partial shade and well-draining soil. It can tolerate a wide range of soil pH levels and can grow in both moist and dry conditions.

When planting a Mock Orange, it is important to choose a location that provides adequate space for the shrub to grow. It is also important to prune the shrub regularly to maintain its shape and prevent it from becoming overgrown.

In addition to its aesthetic qualities, the Mock Orange also has a number of practical uses. The plant is often used as a hedge or screen due to its dense foliage and quick growth rate. The flowers of the plant are also used in perfumes and other fragrances due to their pleasant scent.

The Mock Orange has been cultivated for centuries and has been popular among gardeners for its beauty and fragrance. It was first introduced to North America in the late 1700s, where it quickly became a beloved ornamental shrub. Today, it is commonly found in gardens, parks, and other outdoor spaces across the United States and Canada.

One of the unique features of the Mock Orange is its ability to attract a variety of pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. The sweet fragrance of the flowers is particularly attractive to these pollinators, making it an important plant for maintaining healthy ecosystems.

There are many different cultivars of the Mock Orange available, each with its own unique features. Some cultivars, such as 'Belle Etoile' and 'Snow White Sensation,' produce larger flowers than the species and are highly sought after by gardeners. Other cultivars, such as 'Aureus' and 'Variegatus,' have variegated foliage that adds an extra element of interest to the plant.

Despite its many desirable qualities, the Mock Orange is not without its challenges. It can be susceptible to a variety of pests and diseases, including aphids, scale insects, and powdery mildew. Regular inspection and treatment are necessary to keep the plant healthy and vibrant.

In addition to being a popular ornamental shrub, the Mock Orange also has a rich cultural history. In ancient Greek mythology, the plant was associated with the goddess Artemis, who was known as the goddess of the hunt and the protector of young women. The plant was said to have been used by Artemis to create a magical bow that could never miss its target.

The Mock Orange has also been used for medicinal purposes for centuries. The plant contains a compound called philadelphin, which has been used to treat a variety of ailments, including fever, diarrhea, and inflammation.

In some cultures, the Mock Orange is also associated with love and marriage. The plant's fragrant flowers have been used in wedding bouquets and other romantic arrangements for centuries. In Victorian England, the Mock Orange was often given as a gift to symbolize the sender's love and affection for the recipient.

Another interesting aspect of the Mock Orange is its role in the ecology of its native habitats. In its native range in Europe and the Caucasus, the plant is an important food source for a variety of wildlife, including birds and small mammals. The fruits of the plant, which resemble small capsules, contain many small seeds that are dispersed by animals that eat them.

In North America, the Mock Orange has also become an important food source for native wildlife. Birds, in particular, are known to eat the fruits of the plant, which provide important nutrients and energy for their long migrations.

The Mock Orange is also an important plant for soil conservation and erosion control. Its extensive root system helps to stabilize soil on hillsides and slopes, preventing erosion and protecting the integrity of the surrounding ecosystem.

The Mock Orange has also been used in various cultural practices and rituals. In some Native American cultures, for example, the plant is used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments. It is also used in some spiritual practices to promote healing, purification, and protection.

The Mock Orange is also an excellent plant for attracting beneficial insects to the garden. The fragrant flowers are highly attractive to many species of pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. These pollinators play a crucial role in the reproduction of many plants, and the Mock Orange can help support their populations in the garden.

In addition to attracting pollinators, the Mock Orange can also attract other beneficial insects, such as ladybugs, lacewings, and parasitic wasps. These insects are natural predators of many garden pests, such as aphids and scale insects, and can help control their populations without the use of harmful pesticides.

The Mock Orange is also an excellent choice for gardeners who are looking for a low-maintenance plant. It is relatively easy to grow and requires little pruning or other maintenance. It is also tolerant of a wide range of soil types and can thrive in both full sun and partial shade.

Overall, the Mock Orange is a versatile and beneficial plant that can bring a variety of benefits to the garden. Its beauty, fragrance, and ability to attract beneficial insects make it an excellent choice for gardeners looking to create a healthy and vibrant outdoor space.

Facts about the Mock Orange

Here is a list of facts about the Mock Orange, Philadelphus coronarius:

The Mock Orange is a popular ornamental shrub known for its beauty and fragrance.
It is native to Europe and the Caucasus but has been introduced to North America, where it is widely cultivated.
The plant produces white, fragrant flowers that attract a variety of pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
There are many different cultivars of the Mock Orange available, each with its own unique features, such as larger flowers or variegated foliage.
The plant is also used for medicinal purposes, as it contains a compound called philadelphin, which has been used to treat a variety of ailments.
In some cultures, the Mock Orange is associated with love and marriage and has been used in wedding bouquets and other romantic arrangements.
The plant is also an important food source for wildlife and can help with soil conservation and erosion control.
The Mock Orange is a low-maintenance plant that is tolerant of a wide range of soil types and can thrive in both full sun and partial shade.

In summary, the Mock Orange is a beautiful and versatile plant that has played an important role in many different aspects of human culture and ecology. Its fragrance, ability to attract pollinators and beneficial insects, and low-maintenance nature make it a popular choice for gardeners looking to create a healthy and vibrant outdoor space.