Philadelphus microphyllus (Littleleaf Mock Orange)
Noted for its excellent drought tolerance, Philadelphus microphyllus (Littleleaf Mock Orange) is a multi-stemmed, deciduous shrub with long arching stems clothed with tiny, almost boxwood-like, medium-green leaves. Flowering for several weeks in late spring to early summer, a profusion of very fragrant, small, white flowers, 1 in. across (2.5 cm), are borne singly or in pairs.
Noted for its excellent drought tolerance, Philadelphus microphyllus (Littleleaf Mock Orange) is a multi-stemmed, deciduous shrub with long arching stems clothed with tiny, almost boxwood-like, medium-green leaves. Flowering for several weeks in late spring to early summer, a profusion of very fragrant, small, white flowers, 1 in. across (2.5 cm), are borne singly or in pairs. The bark is tan to reddish-gray and peeling. Showy, low maintenance, and easy to grow, Littleleaf Mock Orange makes a great background shrub or specimen plant.
- Grows up to 4-5 ft. tall and wide (120-150 cm).
- A full sun to partial shade lover, this plant is easily grown in average, dry to medium, well-drained soils. Tolerates a wide range of soil conditions except for poorly-drained ones. Drought tolerant once established.
- Great for shrub borders, foundation plantings, and informal flowering hedges.
- Generally pest and disease free. Keep an eye out for leaf spot, canker, powdery mildew, and rust.
- Blooms on previous year’s wood, so prune immediately after flowering.
- Native to the southeastern U.S. from Wyoming to southern California and Texas.
Requirements
Hardiness | 5 – 9 |
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Climate Zones | 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 7, 10, 14, 15, 16, 18 |
Plant Type | Shrubs |
Plant Family | Philadelphus – Mock Oranges |
Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
Season of Interest | Spring (Late)Summer (Early) |
Height | 4' – 5' (120cm – 150cm) |
Spread | 4' – 5' (120cm – 150cm) |
Spacing | 48″ – 60″ (120cm – 150cm) |
Water Needs | Low, Average |
Maintenance | Low |
Soil Type | Chalk, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Cut Flowers, Fragrant, Showy |
Native Plants | United States, California, Rocky Mountains, Colorado, Utah, Southwest, Nevada, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas |
Tolerance | Drought, Dry Soil, Rocky Soil |
Attracts | Butterflies |
Garden Uses | Beds and Borders, Hedges and Screens |
Garden Styles | Informal and Cottage |