Perennials & Grasses
Lewis mockorange
Philadelphus lewisii
Lewis mockorange is a native deciduous shrub with many stems and a broadly arching shape. In late spring to early summer, fragrant white flowers make it useful near a path or seating area, where their scent can be appreciated. It generally reaches about 5–10 feet tall and needs several feet of room for its spreading stems. Plant it in a native shrub border or informal screen in full sun to partial shade. It tolerates a range of garden soils with adequate drainage. Prune after flowering to remove older twiggy canes and retain vigorous stems. Its flowers support pollinators.
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At a glance
- Mature height
- About 5–10 ft
- Mature spread
- Several feet; broadly arching
- Light
- Full sun to partial shade
- Hardiness
- About USDA Zone 4
The right plant, the right place
Make room for something good.
Its arching form suits a native shrub border or informal screen. Plant it where the flower fragrance can be appreciated.
Where to plant
Choose full sun to partial shade and leave several feet for the stems to spread. A path or seating area offers a place to enjoy the flowers.
Through the seasons
Fragrant white flowers appear from late spring into early summer. Capsule fruits follow the bloom.
Southwest Washington gardens
Give it a good start.
Lewis mockorange is native to the Pacific Northwest and grows in Washington, including coastal areas. It suits native plantings in Southwest Washington.
Soil, drainage & water
Plant in well-drained soil. Lewis mockorange tolerates a range of garden soil types when drainage is adequate.
A little care goes a long way
Growing well, season after season.
Prune after flowering. Remove older twiggy canes while retaining vigorous stems.
Know what to look for
Common growing concerns.
Symptoms can have more than one cause. These notes are a starting point for observing your plant and improving its growing conditions.
Sparse flowering
Few flowers on a shrub growing in deep shade.
Help your plant thrive
Choose full sun to partial shade and avoid a heavily shaded position.
A little more inspiration
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Explore this plantGood gardens start with a conversation
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