About
Philadelphus microphyllus, the little-leaf mock orange, is a compact, upright, deciduous shrub with flaking, dark-brown bark, small, elliptical, mid- to dark-green leaves and strongly aromatic, white flowers in late spring or early summer. One of the most fragrant of all Philadelphus, ideal for a sunny, well-drained border.
About the genus
Philadelphus, the mock oranges, are deciduous shrubs with simple, opposite leaves and bowl-shaped, usually strongly fragrant, white or cream flowers borne singly or in small panicles or racemes in summer. Reliable and popular garden shrubs.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAlkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, East-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height1-1.5 metres
Spread1-1.5 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden
Native toMexico, USA
FragranceFlower
Care notes
CultivationPlant in neutral to alkaline, moderately fertile, moist but well-drained soil in full sun. Can tolerate dryer soils once well established.
PruningPruning group 2
PropagationPropagate by softwood or hardwood cuttings.
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to honey fungus (rarely) and powdery mildews