How to Grow a Mock Orange Shrub

Some experts call it a shrub, some call it a tree. But whatever you call it, the mock orange (Philadelphus coronarius)is a fragrant, flowering addition to the spring garden. Sweet mock orange as it is often called is an irregularly rounded deciduous plant that boasts four petaled, white one and a half inch spring blooms and medium to dark green foliage. Follow these easy tips to add this old fashioned delight to your garden.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Mock orange
• Shovel
• Water
• Mulch or other organic material
• Knife or garden shears

1. Identify a planting location. Mock orange can be successfully grown in USDA Hardiness Zones 4 through 8. Plant in full sun or partial shade and in moist, well drained soil that is high in organic material. All soil types, except wet soil, are tolerated.

2. Select a shrub and prepare for planting. Mock orange can be found balled and burlapped or containerized at nurseries and garden centers. Cut all twine and wire from the root ball. Burlap should be trimmed up to half the height of the root ball.

3. Prepare the planting hole. Dig the planting hole two to three times the width of the shrub's root ball and equal in depth. When planted the top of the root ball should be even with the surrounding ground.

4. Position the shrub in the planting hole. Place the mock orange in the hole and add a small portion of the original soil to secure the plant. Fill with water and allow the root ball and surrounding soil to absorb. Backfill the remaining soil and water again thoroughly.

5. Dress the planting site. Spread a layer of mulch two to four inches deep around the mock orange and planting area. The mulch should be maintained to prevent the loss of moisture, keep the roots cool and to prevent weeds. "Dressing" a planting site with mulch helps to minimize maintenance and also gives a professional, finished touch to the garden.

Tips & Warnings

• Mock orange should be pruned in spring immediately after flowering. Cut back the outer stems that have flowered. Make the cut just above and outer facing bud or a new shoot. The next year's mock orange blooms emerge from those buds.
• Mock orange is a fast growing shrub. At maturity it can be 10 to 12 feet high and equally as wide. It can become leggy if not provided with an annual pruning.
• "Watering in" encourages root development and helps to prevent shock in the transplant
• If planting is delayed after purchase, keep the shrub well watered.