Philadelphus coronarius aka Sweet Mock Orange
Taxonomy
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 OrangeHow to care for Sweet Mock Orange
Difficulty
Even if you don't have a green thumb, you can successfully care for Sweet Mock Orange due to its easy-going nature.
Water
Sweet Mock Orange should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
Soil
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.
Lighting
To ensure optimal growth, the Sweet Mock Orange prefers bright diffused light for 6-8 hours each day. Insufficient light can result in slow growth and leaf drop, so it's important to find a well-lit location for this plant. Place it near a window, within a distance of 1 meter (3 feet), to enhance its potential for thriving.
Toxicity
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.
Fertilizer
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.
Region of origin
Sweet Mock Orange’s native range is Europe - S. Austria, Italy. Possibly occasionally naturalized in Britain[17].
More info:
Wikipedia
More Species in Philadelphus Genus
Philadelphus purpurascens
Philadelphus delavayi
Philadelphus pubescens Broadleaf Mock Orange
Philadelphus coronarius Sweet Mock Orange
Philadelphus inodorus Scentless Mock Orange
Philadelphus microphyllus Desert Mock Orange
