Mock orange (Philadelphus lemoinei)
Care, watering, light and tips for Mock orange on Floravia.
Quick facts
- Family: Hydrangeaceae
- Difficulty: Easy to care for
- Watering: every 7 days
- Light: Partial shade
- Temperature: 10–30 °C
About Mock orange
Philadelphus lemoinei, known as Lemoine's mock orange or dwarf mock orange, is a medium-sized deciduous shrub, valued for its abundant and fragrant white flowers that appear in early summer. Its delicate blossoms, often with a yellow center, create a beautiful visual and aromatic display. It is ideal for low hedges, borders, or as a specimen plant in cottage or romantic style gardens.
Native range
Europe, specifically France.
Care tips
It prefers full sun to partial shade for optimal flowering. It requires regular watering, especially during dry periods and in its first year, avoiding waterlogging. It adapts to most well-drained soils, preferably rich in organic matter. A common mistake is excessive pruning or at the wrong time; prune it after flowering to encourage the growth of new branches that will bloom the following year.
How to save a dying Mock orange
- Warning signs
- Yellowish or brown leaves, general wilting, scarce or no flowering. Can dry out quickly if not addressed.
- First aid
- Check watering (neither waterlogged nor dry), move to partial shade if intense sun. Prune dry branches to stimulate new growth.
- What kills it
- Prolonged drought or constant waterlogging. Lack of adequate light or strong direct sun in hot climates.
- Can it be saved?
- Yes, it often recovers well with watering, light adjustments and pruning. It's a resilient plant.