Philadelphus coronarius - The Classic Mock Orange

Common Mock Orange

If you’re dreaming of a garden filled with heavenly scent and romantic white blooms, then Philadelphus coronarius — also known as mock orange — is one of those classic shrubs that never goes out of style. Beloved for generations, this hardy, no-fuss deciduous beauty brings old-fashioned charm to any outdoor space, with clouds of cup-shaped white flowers and an unforgettable fragrance reminiscent of orange blossom or sweet lemons.

Whether you’re creating a traditional cottage garden, adding structure to a mixed border, or simply want something low-maintenance that rewards you with armfuls of bloom each summer, mock orange is an excellent choice. Here’s everything you need to know about growing it well, from planting and feeding to pruning and choosing the best varieties.

What Exactly Is Philadelphus coronarius?

Philadelphus coronarius is the best-known and most widely grown member of the mock orange family. A deciduous shrub typically reaches between 2.5 and 3 metres tall and wide, although you can keep it more compact with regular pruning. It’s the kind of plant that makes a real impact, especially in full bloom.

The bright green foliage creates a dense, leafy background, setting off the clusters of brilliant white, citrus-scented flowers in early summer. The blooms are usually cup-shaped, held along the stems, and open in late May to June, depending on your location and the season’s weather.

But the real magic? That intoxicating orange blossom scent. It’s one of the most fragrant shrubs you can grow in the UK, with a perfume that fills the air and lingers beautifully, especially on warm evenings.

Where to Plant Philadelphus coronarius

• Sun or partial shade? It does well in either. A sunny position usually gives you the strongest flowering, but it also tolerates partial shade, handy for trickier spots at the back of borders or along fences.
• Soil conditions? It prefers moist but well-drained soil and thrives in fertile conditions. Before planting in the garden, enrich the soil with a generous helping of well-rotted manure or garden compost. This gives the roots a head start and helps retain the proper moisture level.
• Planting tip: Dig a hole about twice as wide and as deep as the rootball. Add your organic matter, place the shrub at the same depth it was growing in the pot, firm it in, and water thoroughly.

Can I Grow Philadelphus coronarius in a Pot?

Absolutely — especially if you want to enjoy the scent close to a doorway, patio, or balcony. Just remember that it’s a large shrub by nature, so pick a container that’s at least 45–50cm wide and deep, and go for a compact cultivar if space is tight.

• Compost tip: Use a John Innes No.2 compost, which is loam-based and offers the stability and nutrients that shrubs like this need for sustained growth. Add a bit of grit to improve drainage.

• Feeding: Mix in a slow-release fertiliser at planting time to give your shrub the nutrients it needs over the growing season. Then top-dress annually in spring with a fresh layer of compost or a sprinkle of slow-release granules.

Keep the compost evenly moist during summer, especially in hot weather, and raise the pot off the ground slightly to help with winter drainage.

How to Care for Mock Orange Through the Seasons

Spring

• As the new growth starts, apply a slow-release fertiliser around the base to encourage strong, healthy stems and flower buds.
• Add a mulch of organic matter — garden compost, bark chips or well-rotted manure — to conserve moisture and keep weeds at bay.

Summer

• Enjoy the show! The flowers appear from late May into June, and the scent is at its best if the weather is warm and sunny.
• After flowering finishes, prune immediately to avoid cutting off next year’s buds. More on that below.

Autumn & Winter

• Not much is needed — simply keep an eye on the overall shape and remove any crossing or damaged branches. The plant will rest over winter and be ready to leap into action next spring.

Pruning: The Key to Long-Term Success

Mock orange flowers on the previous year’s growth, so timing is everything. Pruning at the wrong time — for example, in autumn or winter — could mean cutting off next year’s blooms.

Here’s the simple method:

• As soon as flowering ends (usually by mid-June), cut each stem back to a strong, healthy bud lower down.

• Every year, remove about one-third of the oldest stems at ground level. This encourages fresh new shoots to grow from the base, keeping the plant youthful and full of flower potential.

Pruning keeps the shrub neat, vigorous, and full of blooms — and stops it from getting leggy or out of control.

How Big Will It Get?

Philadelphus coronarius is a large shrub, typically 2.5 to 3 metres tall and wide. It is ideal for the back of borders, screening unsightly walls, or forming part of a flowering hedge.

With regular pruning, it can easily be kept more compact—1.5m tall or less, especially if you choose one of the more compact cultivars. Its arching, elegant habit looks particularly lovely in informal or cottage-style gardens.

Will It Grow in My Garden?

Almost certainly, yes! Philadelphus coronarius is fully hardy across the UK and adapts well to various soils, provided they are not waterlogged. It copes well with our winters, tolerates some summer drought once established, and doesn’t require special treatment.

It’s especially lovely in wildlife-friendly gardens, too. Bees love nectar-rich flowers; dense growth can provide useful nesting spots for birds if you let them grow full and bushy.

What Are The Best Cultivars?

Several varieties offer different sizes and flowering times. The common mock orange remains a reliable choice.

The RHS has given the following cultivars their Award of Garden Merit:

• Philadelphus coronarius ‘Aureus’
• Philadelphus coronarius ‘Variegatus’
• Philadelphus delavayi f. melanocalyx ‘Nyman’s Variety’
• Philadelphus maculatus ‘Sweet Clare’
• Philadelphus ‘Beauclerk’
• Philadelphus ‘Belle Étoile’
• Philadelphus ‘Innocence’
• Philadelphus ‘Manteau d’Hermine’
• Philadelphus ‘Silberregen’
• Philadelphus ‘Sybille’
• Philadelphus WHITE ROCK (‘Pekphil’)

How to Use Mock Orange in Your Garden Design

Thanks to its height, form, and flower power, Philadelphus coronarius is incredibly versatile. Try using it in the following ways:

• As a backdrop in borders, especially behind shorter herbaceous perennials or roses.

• In informal hedges or mixed shrub borders, where its lush foliage fills in gaps beautifully.

• Near patios, paths, and seating areas so you can enjoy the scent up close.

• In wildlife gardens, its flowers provide nectar for bees and habitat for birds.

Pair it with shrubs that flower earlier or later for a longer season of interest — think forsythia, weigela, or hydrangea for a mixed planting with real impact.

I’ve always found Philadelphus coronarius to be one of those shrubs that quietly earns its place in the garden year after year. That burst of citrusy scent in early summer never fails to stop me — it’s like nature’s own perfume counter. I’ve planted several over the years in both borders and large terracotta pots near seating areas so that I can enjoy the fragrance on warm evenings. In the garden, I always dig in plenty of well-rotted manure when planting, and for pots, John Innes No.2 with a scoop of slow-release fertiliser does the trick. It’s reliable, romantic, and surprisingly low-maintenance — just a quick prune after flowering, and it rewards you all over again the following year. If you’re after a shrub that delivers beauty and scent with very little fuss, this one’s a keeper.

Key Points to Remember:

• Hardy deciduous shrub ideal for UK gardens
• Produces strongly scented white flowers in late spring to early summer
• Grows 2.5-3 metres tall unless pruned regularly
• Needs well-drained soil
• Feed annually with a slow-release fertiliser in spring
• Tolerates sun or partial shade
• Prune immediately after flowering to maintain shape and encourage blooms
• Strong orange blossom scent
• Excellent for borders
• Low maintenance
• Perfect for wildlife gardens, attracting bees and beneficial insects

Philadelphus coronarius, the classic mock orange, is a hardy, highly scented shrub that fills early summer gardens with clouds of fragrant white blooms and old-fashioned charm. Easy to grow in borders or pots with the right soil and a little annual pruning, it’s a timeless favourite for UK gardeners who love beauty with minimal fuss.

Check out the RHS article here.

Want to keep your garden thriving? Rudbeckia fulgida Goldsturm is another excellent choice.

For more information on Shrubs for your garden, please click here.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What’s the best way to buy a Philadelphus coronarius plant?

A: You can buy a Philadelphus coronarius from local nurseries or online plant stores such as Swift Plants. Just make sure to check for healthy plants with vibrant leaves and accurate descriptions before you make your purchase!

Q: What makes Philadelphus coronarius so valuable for gardens?

A: This plant is helpful because it adds beautiful fragrant blooms in spring and is perfect for borders. Plus, it’s relatively easy to care for once established!

Q: Does Philadelphus coronarius bloom throughout the year?

A: Unfortunately, you won’t see blooms all year round. The fragrant flowers typically bloom in late spring to early summer, so enjoy them while they last!

Q: Can you give me a description of the Common Mock Orange plant?

A: Certainly! Philadelphus coronarius, or Common Mock Orange, features lovely white, bowl-shaped flowers and lush green leaves. It’s a deciduous shrub that can grow up to 3 metres tall, making it a stunning addition to any garden!

Q: Are there any varieties of Philadelphus coronarius that I should consider?

A: Yes, there are several varieties! Some popular ones include ‘Aurea’ with golden leaves and ‘Variegatus’ with beautifully variegated foliage. Each variety offers something unique for your garden!

Q: How many leaves does Philadelphus coronarius typically have?

A: The number of leaves can vary, but you can expect many lush green leaves on a healthy shrub, contributing to its dense appearance!

Q: Is Philadelphus coronarius easy to grow for beginners?

A: Absolutely! The Common Mock Orange is easy to grow, especially if you follow basic care tips. It’s perfect for beginner gardeners seeking a lovely and fragrant shrub!