Mockorange (Philadelphus)

Philadelphus is a genus of deciduous shrubs commonly called mock orange, grown for clusters of white flowers that are often fragrant. Flowering time, mature size, and light preference differ across its species and cultivars, so this broad profile avoids assigning one selection’s traits to the whole genus. ### In the landscape Use a mock orange as a flowering shrub in a mixed border or near a path where bloom fragrance can be enjoyed. The North Carolina Extension profile for P. coronarius describes an arching, dense shrub and notes that it can be used in foundation plantings, hedges, and cottage gardens; those details describe that species rather than every Philadelphus. ### Site and soil For P. coronarius, North Carolina Extension recommends full sun to partial shade and moist, well-drained soil. Treat that as a useful species example, not a universal genus requirement. See the [North Carolina Extension profile](https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/philadelphus-coronarius/common-name/fragrant-mockorange/) and the [Philadelphus growing guide](https://www.whiteflowerfarm.com/66134-product.html). ## Maintenance After flowering, cut back spent flowering shoots to strong buds; as a mature mock orange develops, remove a few of the oldest canes at ground level to renew the shrub. The [White Flower Farm growing guide](https://www.whiteflowerfarm.com/66134-product.html) describes these general Philadelphus pruning practices.