Philadelphus x virginalis 'Natchez'

Natchez Mockorange

Philadelphus × virginalis ‘Natchez’ is a fast-growing deciduous mock orange shrub valued for its large, fragrant white flowers that bloom heavily in late spring to early summer. It has a fountain-shaped, upright-to-arching habit with deep green summer foliage, making it useful for fragrant gardens, shrub borders, informal hedges, screening, cottage gardens, and background plantings. The flowers are often listed around 2 inches wide and have the classic sweet orange-blossom scent associated with mock orange.

Type: Deciduous flowering shrub
Mature Size: 6–8 ft. wide × 6–8 ft. tall; may reach 10 ft. in good conditions
USDA Zones: 4a–8b
Form: Fountain-shaped, upright, arching shrub
Light: Full sun to part shade; best flowering in full sun
Soil / Water: Average to fertile, well-drained soil; performs best with consistent moisture but is adaptable once established
Bloom Time / Length: May–June; usually 2–3 weeks
Wildlife: Fragrant flowers attract bees and butterflies; generally deer resistant once established

Features & Landscape Uses:
Large fragrant white flowers, arching stems, fast growth, and a broad rounded form make ‘Natchez’ a good choice for screens, informal hedges, back-of-border plantings, cottage gardens, and areas near patios or walkways where the scent can be enjoyed. It is best given enough room to develop naturally rather than being tightly sheared.

Care:
Prune immediately after flowering because mock orange blooms on older wood. Remove dead or crossing stems and thin out older canes every few years to encourage fresh growth and better flowering. Avoid heavy pruning in late summer, fall, or early spring, which can remove the next season’s flower buds. 

Plant type

Flowering Deciduous Shrub

Height

6-8'

Width

6-8'

Hardiness zones

4–8

Sunlight

Full Sun, Partial Shade

Growth rate

Fast

Bloom time

Early Summer, Late Spring

Flower color

White

Leaf color

Green

Fall color

Dark Green

Attracts

Butterflies

Soil

Alkaline, Average, Moist well-drained

Landscape use

Border, Foundation, Hedge

Shape

Arching, Rounded, Upright

Bark

Exfoliating

Fragrant

Yes

Deer resistant

Yes

Drought tolerant

No