Philadelphus lewisii
“Wild Mock-orange”

Philadelphus lewisii “Wild Mock-orange” 

In early Summer Philadelphus lewisii covers itself with a profusion of large 2” pure white flowers, each with a boss of yellow stamens.  The fragrance is amazing: orange-blossom with a hint of pineapple. Yum! Discovered in 1906 by Meriwether Lewis, “Wild Mock-orange” is widespread through northwestern California, Montana and it is the state flower of Idaho. Its habitat varies and I have seen it in semi-shaded Californian woodlands as well as poking out of volcanic cracks in blazing hot “Craters of the Moon”, Idaho. In gardens, it thrives in semi-shade and makes a great background shrub or specimen plant. The shrub can get large (4-10’ tall and 6-12’ wide) so make sure to give it space to grow. Poor soil is OK and it requires  little water although it may lose it leaves prematurely in very dry soil.

Anni J.
Propagator

Sun/Pt.Shade
Low Water

CA Native Deciduous Shrub
USDA Zones 4-10

(MODERATELY)