Lewis’ Mock Orange

(Philadelphus lewisii)

Lewis’ Mock Orange (Philadelphus lewisii)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Philadelphus lewisii, commonly known as Lewis’ Mock Orange, is a deciduous shrub native to a variety of habitats including open woodlands, forest edges, rocky bluffs, and stream banks in the Western USA and Canada. This shrub typically grows to 1.5–3 meters (4 ft 11 in – 9 ft 10 in) in height and has a rounded form. New stems are red, maturing to gray with shredding bark. The showy flowers, appearing in late spring to early summer, are white with four petals up to 4 cm (1+1⁄2 in) long, surrounded by numerous yellow stamens, and emit a heavy, sweet scent reminiscent of orange blossoms with a hint of pineapple. The plant becomes covered in a mass of blossoms at peak flowering.

Lewis’ Mock Orange is valued for its fragrant, showy flowers and is often used in ornamental plantings, hedges, and as a specimen in gardens. It is drought-tolerant, making it suitable for xeriscaping and low-water-use landscapes. It thrives in full to partial sun and adapts to a range of soil conditions, preferring well-drained soils. While it can grow in poor soils, it benefits from occasional watering during prolonged dry periods to prevent fruit and seed development issues. It is relatively low maintenance but can be affected by powdery mildew and twig blights. Pruning after flowering helps maintain its shape and encourages more prolific blooming in the following season.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Shrub
  • Height: 5-12 feet
  • Width: 6-12 feet
  • Growth Rate: Moderate
  • Flower Color: White
  • Flowering Season: Spring, Summer
  • Leaf Retention: Deciduous

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
  • Water: Low
  • Drainage: Fast, Medium

Common Uses

Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Erosion Control, Fire Resistant, Fragrant, Hummingbird Garden, Low Maintenance, Rabbit Resistant, Salt Tolerant, Showy Flowers, Street Planting

Natural Habitat

Open woodlands, forest edges, rocky bluffs, and stream banks

Other Names

Common Names: Lewis’s Mock Orange, Wild Mock-Orange, Gordon’s Mock Orange, Indian Arrowwood, Syringa, Goardonn-Pfeifenstrauch, Gordonschersmin

Scientific Names: , Philadelphus lewisii, Philadelphus californicus, Philadelphus gordonianus, Philadelphus lewisii var. gordonianus, Philadelphus lewisii var. helleri, Philadelphus lewisii var. lewisii, Philadelphus lewisii subsp. gordonianus, Philadelphus lewisii var. ellipticus, Philadelphus insignis

GBIF Accepted Name: Philadelphus lewisii Pursh