Mock Orange (Philadelphus lewisii) does best in full sun to moderate shade on moist, well-drained soils. While preferring open woods and streamsides, it can also be found on moderately dry rocky slopes and bluffs. Classified as fire resistant, it will resprout from root crowns after burning and regenerate from the seed bank that builds up in the soil. It is an upright shrub with lilac-like leaves and fragrant white flowers that give the plant its name.
Classification: Perennial
Key Characteristics: White flowers
Light Requirements: Full sun to part shade
Water Requirements: Moist soil while establishing, drought tolerant once established
Ease of Growing: Moderate
Growth Rate: Slow, faster once established
Bloom Time: May–June
Spreads: By seed, rhizome
Benefits: Wildlife, Rain garden, Pollinators, Beneficial insects, Wildfire resistant, Riparian zones, On Portland Plant List, Hummingbirds
Edible: No
Mature Height: 6–10 feet
Mature Width: 3–12 feet
