Mock orange Philadelphus coronarius
Mock orange (Philadelphus coronarius) is a deciduous perennial shrub in the Hydrangeaceae family, native to Southern Europe and the Caucasus region. It grows 2–3.5 m (6.6–11 ft) tall and 2–3 m (6.6–10 ft) wide, wants full sun and moderate water, and is hardy to about -30 °C (-22 °F). Space plants about 2 m (6.6 ft) apart.
Plan Mock orange in your garden →
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Mock orange at a glance
| Type | Perennial shrub, deciduous |
|---|---|
| Family | Hydrangeaceae |
| Mature height | 2–3.5 m (6.6–11 ft) |
| Mature spread | 2–3 m (6.6–10 ft) |
| Spacing | 2 m (6.6 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 6 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance moderate, waterlogging tolerance low |
| Soil pH | 6–7.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About -30 °C (-22 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 4) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 33 °C (91 °F) |
| Flowering | from about May for 3–4 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | Moderate |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Southern Europe and the Caucasus region |
| Common in gardens of | 🇩🇪 Germany, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇷🇺 Russia |
Is Mock orange toxic?
- People: not well documented
- Cats: not well documented
- Dogs: not well documented
Not listed by the ASPCA and no significant poisonings are documented.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Mock orange
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and moderate water.
Questions about Mock orange
- How far apart should I plant Mock orange?
- About 2 m (6.6 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 2–3 m (6.6–10 ft).
- Does Mock orange need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Mock orange need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is moderate and waterlogging tolerance low.
- How cold-hardy is Mock orange?
- It tolerates about -30 °C (-22 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 4.
- When does Mock orange flower?
- From about May for 3–4 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Mock orange poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not well documented; for dogs not well documented; for people not well documented. Not listed by the ASPCA and no significant poisonings are documented.
- What grows well with Mock orange?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Mock orange. Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade C (C: plausible, mixed evidence).
- RHS Plant Finder, Royal Horticultural Society
- Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder, Missouri Botanical Garden
Notes and assumptions
- Typical garden-form values; cultivars and local conditions differ.
- Strongly orange-blossom scented; blooms on last year's wood, so prune after flowering.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Bigleaf hydrangea Hydrangea macrophylla
- Panicle hydrangea Hydrangea paniculata
- Smooth hydrangea 'Annabelle' Hydrangea arborescens
- Climbing hydrangea Hydrangea anomala subsp. petiolaris
- Slender deutzia (himeutsugi) Deutzia gracilis
- Mountain hydrangea (yama-ajisai) Hydrangea serrata
- Yellow wax bells (kirenga-shōma) Kirengeshoma palmata
- Rough-leaved hydrangea Hydrangea aspera