Also known as Mock Orange · 382 saves
Philadelphus
Philadelphus, the genus most gardeners know as mock orange. We track 13 varieties; the ones most used by real gardeners.
The 12 most-saved Philadelphus varieties
Browse all 13 Philadelphus varieties →
3 species of Philadelphus
Each one is a parent of the varieties above.
Track your Philadelphus in Sow
Save the Philadelphus you grow and get care reminders timed to your zone.
How to grow Philadelphus
Whats common across all Philadelphus varieties in our catalog — drawn from the care records of the 13 most-grown of them.
The Philadelphus year
- PruneJune100% of varieties
Prune and renew the oldest stems as soon as the flowers fade.
- FertilizeMarch77% of varieties
Apply a layer of compost or a balanced fertilizer in early spring.
- MulchMarch46% of varieties
Refresh mulch layer to retain moisture and regulate soil temperature.
- PlantFebruary, March, April, September and October38% of varieties
Plant in spring or fall to establish roots in cool weather.
Do
- Prune after flowering to maintain shape
- Water regularly during dry spells 🌱
- Mulch to conserve moisture
- Remove a third of the oldest stems yearly 🪵
- Fertilize annually with a balanced fertilizer
Avoid
- Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
- Do not prune in late summer, fall, or winter.
- Prune in winter or spring ❌
- Shear it into a shape ❌
What goes wrong with Philadelphus
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Aphids | Clusters on soft new shoots, with sticky residue on the leaves below | Rinse off with water or use insecticidal soap while the growth is still soft |
| Scale insects | Sticky honeydew and sooty mold | Use horticultural oil or insecticidal soap |
| Leaf Miners | Winding, discolored trails within the leaves. | Damage is mostly cosmetic. Remove and destroy affected leaves. Systemic insecticides can be effective but are often unnecessary. |
| Leaf Miner | Winding, discolored trails within the leaves. | Remove and destroy affected leaves. Generally cosmetic and doesn't harm the plant. Systemic insecticides can be used but are often unnecessary. |
| Powdery mildew | White floury film on the leaves in humid weather, worst on congested plants | Thin old stems so air moves through the shrub; the damage is cosmetic on a plant pruned annually |
| Powdery Mildew | White powdery growth on leaves. | Ensure good air circulation. Water at the base of the plant. Apply horticultural oil or a suitable fungicide. |
| Root rot | Wilting and yellowing leaves | Ensure well-draining soil and reduce watering |
Making more Philadelphus
Cuttings
- Select healthy semi-hardwood stems in late summer.
- Cut 4-6 inch sections and remove lower leaves.
- Dip in rooting hormone and plant in moist soil.
- Keep soil consistently moist and place in indirect light.
- Roots develop in 6 weeks.
Layering
- Choose a low branch and gently bend it to the ground.
- Wound the bark slightly where it contacts soil.
- Secure with a pin or stone and cover with soil.
- Water regularly and wait for roots to form in several months.
- Cut the new plant from the parent and transplant.
Philadelphus questions
How many types of Philadelphus are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 13 distinct Philadelphus varieties. The most popular — ranked by 382 real gardeners — are shown first above.
What zones does Philadelphus grow in?
Across its varieties, Philadelphus covers USDA Zones 4–10. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
When does Philadelphus bloom?
Most Philadelphus varieties bloom in late spring, early summer, late spring to summer. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Philadelphus should I choose?
Start from the most-saved varieties above — popularity across thousands of gardens is a strong signal of reliability — then filter by your zone and sun. In the Sow app you can preview any of them in a photo of your actual yard before you buy.