Philadelphus x lemoinei

Lemoine Mockorange

Philadelphus × lemoinei is a deciduous flowering shrub commonly called Lemoine mock orange, valued for its strongly fragrant white flowers in late spring to early summer. It has an upright to arching habit with green foliage and is best used where its sweet orange-blossom fragrance can be enjoyed, such as near patios, walks, entries, shrub borders, cottage gardens, or informal hedges. Flowers are typically white, cup-shaped, about 1–1.5 inches wide, and borne in small terminal clusters.

Type: Deciduous flowering shrub
Mature Size: 4–8 ft. wide × 4–8 ft. tall
USDA Zones: 5a–8b
Form: Upright, rounded to arching shrub
Light: Full sun to part shade; best flowering in full sun
Soil / Water: Moist, well-drained soil; adaptable and tolerant of alkaline soil once established
Bloom Time / Length: May–June; usually 2–3 weeks
Wildlife: Fragrant flowers attract bees and butterflies

Features & Landscape Uses:
Highly fragrant white flowers; classic old-fashioned mock orange look; useful in mixed borders, cottage gardens, fragrant gardens, foundation groupings, screens, informal hedges, and background shrub plantings. It is especially effective when planted near outdoor seating areas or walkways where the scent can be noticed.

Care:
Prune immediately after flowering, since mock orange blooms on older wood. Remove dead or weak stems and thin out some older canes every few years to maintain vigor and flowering. Avoid heavy pruning in late summer, fall, or early spring, which can remove flower buds. Leaf spot, powdery mildew, aphids, and gray mold may occur but are usually not serious. 

Plant type

Flowering Deciduous Shrub

Height

4-8'

Width

4-8'

Hardiness zones

5–8

Sunlight

Full Sun, Partial Shade

Growth rate

Fast

Bloom time

Early Summer, Late Spring, Spring

Flower color

White

Leaf color

Green

Fall color

Dark Green

Attracts

Butterflies

Soil

Alkaline, Moist well-drained

Landscape use

Accent Plant, Foundation Plant, Hedge

Shape

Arching, Rounded, Upright

Bark

Exfoliating

Fragrant

Yes

Drought tolerant

No