Philadelphus lewisii

Common Names

Common names (ordered by most common usage): Lewis' Mock Orange, Mockorange, Syringa, Gordon's Mockorange

Summary

Lewis’ mock orange is a native deciduous shrub of western North America, spanning from British Columbia to northern California and east to Idaho and Montana. It forms an upright to broadly arching shrub typically 5–12 feet tall, with dense racemes of white, fragrant flowers that bloom in late spring to early summer. Leaves are opposite and ovate with toothed margins; new shoots may be red, aging to gray bark, and it occupies open forests, forest edges, and riparian or sun-exposed sites at low to mid elevations. Cultivation favors full sun to partial shade and well-drained soils, with tolerance for a range of soil types and moisture from moderate to drought-tolerant once established. After flowering, pruning helps maintain shape and encourage new growth. Propagation is possible by seed, which requires stratification, and by cuttings (softwood cuttings root readily; hardwood cuttings root well). In landscape use, it serves as an ornamental specimen, background plant, or hedge; also valued for habitat, nectar for pollinators, and erosion control along streams or disturbed sites, and is hardy to USDA zones 4–10.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

36-144 inches

Spread

5-10 feet

Hardiness Zones

Zones 4-8

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally Full Sun; tolerates Partial Sun and Partial Shade.

Soil Type

No specific ideal soil; tolerates a wide range from rocky ledges to well-drained loamy soils.

Soil Drainage

Moist but well-drained soil

Soil pH

5.0-8.0

Bloom Color

White

Bloom Time

Spring to early Summer (May–July)

Foliage Color

Green

Fall Foliage Color

Yellow

Leaf Lifecycle

Deciduous

Growth Rate

Moderate

Seasons of Interest

Spring and Summer

Propagation Methods

Seeds, Cuttings, Layering, Division

Attracts Wildlife

Attracts bees and butterflies, Attracts other pollinators, Attracts birds