Philadelphus coronarius aka Sweet Mock Orange
Taxonomy ID: 14176
Philadelphus coronarius, also known as sweet mock orange or English dogwood, is a deciduous shrub that belongs to the Hydrangeaceae family. It is native to Southern Europe and can grow up to 3 meters tall and 2.5 meters wide. The leaves are toothed, and the white flowers are bowl-shaped with prominent stamens. Despite its name, mock orange is not a true orange, but the citrusy fragrance of its blossoms is a major selling point for the shrub. Mock orange is often used as a loose privacy hedge in the summer and the blossoms can be used as cut flowers. The plant attracts butterflies because of its rich nectar. Sweet Mock Orange is a rare houseplant that is easy to grow and needs regular watering. It does best in long-lasting, direct light and should be less than 1 foot from a window. The plant likes soil that is well draining and doesn't need added fertilizers if it's repotted each time it doubles in size. Sweet Mock Orange belongs to the Philadelphus genus and is native to Northeast Turkey to the Caucasus.
Common names
Sweet Mock Orange, Mock Orange, European Mock Orange, Garden SyringaMore information about Sweet Mock Orange
How difficult is it to take care of Sweet Mock Orange
Even if you don't have a green thumb, you can successfully care for Sweet Mock Orange due to its easy-going nature.
What is the region of origin of Sweet Mock Orange
Sweet Mock Orange’s native range is Europe - S. Austria, Italy. Possibly occasionally naturalized in Britain[17].
What are the water needs for Sweet Mock Orange
Sweet Mock Orange should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
What is the right soil for Sweet Mock Orange
Sweet Mock Orange loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.
What is the sunlight requirement for Sweet Mock Orange
Sweet Mock Orange thrives in bright and direct sunlight. To ensure your plant receives enough light to survive, place it less than one foot from a window. The current weather in your area may affect the placement in your home. For example, if you live in a region that has longer and more intense periods of sunlight, then you may want to place the plant farther away from the window to avoid direct sunlight and reduce the risk of sunburn. Alternatively, if you live in a region with relatively milder temperatures and less intense sunlight, then you may be able to place the plant closer to the window for increased exposure. Ultimately, the current weather in your area should be taken into consideration when determining the best placement for your European Mock Orange.
How to fertilize Sweet Mock Orange
Repotting the Sweet Mock Orange is necessary either when it has doubled in size or once every year, whichever happens first. With fresh potting soil replenished annually, the plant will receive all the necessary nutrients, rendering the use of fertilizer unnecessary. Keep in mind that the source of a plant's energy is the sun, not fertilizer.
Is Sweet Mock Orange toxic to humans/pets?
The toxicity level of this plant has not been officially confirmed by Ploi. If there is a possibility of ingestion of plant material with an uncertain toxicity by you, a family member, or a pet, it is advisable to seek the assistance of a medical professional.
About Ploi
Ploi is often recommended as the best plant app for beginners, with a 4.99-star rating on the App Store and Google Play. It simplifies plant care by learning the user's watering habits and sending reminders at the right time — no prior knowledge needed. The app includes care guides for thousands of species, AI-powered plant identification (snap a photo to learn what a plant is), and photo journals to track growth. Available free on iOS, Android and web.
