california mock orange
Philadelphus lewisii
USDA zones3 to 9
SunHandles full sun to partial shade
WaterHandles dry to moist soil
Size5 to 12 feet tall6 to 12 feet wide
- Bloom season
- Spring, summer, autumn
- Bloom color
- White
- Foliage color
- Green
- Soil types
- Sand, loam, chalk
- Soil pH
- Acid, alkaline, neutral
Garden uses
Attracts
Notes
California mock orange (Philadelphus lewisii) is a shrub for borders, hedges, and low maintenance gardens. It is hardy to USDA zone 3, or down to -40°F (-40°C). This plant likes full sun to part shade and dry to moist, sandy, loamy, or chalky soil. Pure white flowers with yellow centers smother the arching branches in late spring to early summer. The blooms have a strong, sweet scent like citrus, and they attract butterflies.
Pairs well with Western redbud, Smoketree, New Jersey tea, and Western sword fern.
Native range
CA, ID, MT, OR, and 2 more places. See all 6
CA, ID, MT, OR, WA; AB, and BC.