Philadelphus pubescens (Hoary Mock Orange)

Philadelphus pubescens (Hoary Mock Orange) is a dense, multi-stemmed, deciduous shrub of upright habit. In late spring to midsummer, it boasts a profusion of mildly fragrant, 4-petaled, white flowers, 2 in. across (5 cm), adorned with a bouquet of yellow stamens. At the height of flowering, the shrub is literally covered in a mass of blossoms. Borne in clusters of 3-9 blossoms, they attract bees and other pollinators. The flowers contrast nicely against the foliage of ovate green leaves, 3 in. long (7 cm), with pubescent undersides. The gray bark exfoliates with age. Native to the eastern United States, Hoary Mock Orange occurs naturally in open woods, wooded slopes and stream banks. Requiring little maintenance, it makes a great background shrub and is suitable for screens and foundation plantings.

• Grows up to 4-10 ft. tall and wide (120-300 cm).
• Performs best in full sun to light shade in organically rich, moist, well-drained soils. This plant is tolerant of a wide variety of soil conditions as long as they are well-drained.
• Great for shrub borders, foundation plantings, informal flowering hedges.
• No serious pest or disease issues. Keep an eye out for leaf spot, canker, powdery mildew and rust. Deer and rabbit resistant.
• Blooms on previous year’s wood, so prune immediately after flowering.
• Propagate by seed. Best if given 1 month cold stratification.
• Native to the eastern United States.