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

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