Philadelphus lewisii aka Lewis's Mock Orange

Taxonomy

Philadelphus lewisii, also known as Lewis' mock-orange, mock-orange, Gordon's mockorange, wild mockorange, Indian arrowwood, or syringa, is a deciduous shrub native to western North America. It was named after scientist and explorer Meriwether Lewis, who first collected it during the Lewis and Clark Expedition in 1806. This hardy shrub has upright, arching branches with dark green foliage. In late spring and early summer, it produces abundant single, fragrant, white blooms. Once established, it is drought tolerant. Although rare as a houseplant, Lewis' Mock Orange requires regular watering and thrives in long-lasting, direct light, preferably within one foot of a window. It prefers well-draining soil and does not typically require additional fertilizers if repotted when it doubles in size. Overall, Lewis' Mock Orange is a beautiful and resilient shrub belonging to the Philadelphus genus and is native to Western North America.

Common names

Lewis's Mock Orange, Wild Mock Orange, Lewis' Mock Orange

How to care for Lewis's Mock Orange

Water

Lewis's Mock Orange should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Lewis's 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 Lewis's Mock Orange prefers bright indirect 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

No verified data on the toxicity of this plant exists within Ploi's records. Should you, someone in your family, or your pet ingest plant material with an unknown toxicity level, it is recommended to seek medical advice.

Fertilizer

Once the Lewis's Mock Orange has doubled in size or after a year has passed, it should be moved to a new pot. By replacing the soil with fresh potting soil containing all the vital nutrients, your plant will receive all the sustenance it needs, negating the requirement for fertilizer. It's important to remember that plants get their energy from the sun, not fertilizer.

Region of origin

Lewis's Mock Orange’s native range is Western N. America - British Columbia to Oregon.


More info:
Wikipedia