Littleleaf mock-orange is a bushy multibranched deciduous shrub native to the Southwest US from Wyoming to northern Mexico  west to California where it grows in the scrub and brush habitats of the foothills and mountains.  It is a member of the hydrangea family, Hydrangeaceae, that also includes Deutzia.  Plants grow up to 6.5′ tall and have arching stems with reddish brown bark that shreds into thin strips.  The medium green leaves are up to 1″ long, oval to lanceolate, and turn yellow in the fall.  In late spring or early summer pure white flowers appear from the joints of the previous year’s shoots.  Each flower is about 1″ across and has 4-5 petals and a pineapple fragrance.  Littleleaf mock-range is easy to grow and is useful in xeriscapes, borders, screens, hedges, and foundation plantings.  Planting it where its fragrance can be enjoyed is a plus.  The genus name, Philadelphus, honors Ptolemy Philadelphus, King of Egypt, 285–246 BC.  The specific epithet, microphyllus, comes from the Greek micro meaning little and phyllus meaning leaf. 

Type: Flowering deciduous shrub

Outstanding Feature: Fragrant flowers

Form: Rounded

Growth Rate: Moderate

Bloom: White fragrant flowers in late spring or early summer

Size: 4-6.5′ H

Light: Full sun; tolerates part shade

Soil: Average, dry to medium moist, well-drained

Hardiness: Zones 5-9

Care: Blooms on previous year’s wood so prune after blooming.

Pests and Diseases: Generally healthy but susceptible to canker, leaf spot, powdery mildew, rust

Propagation:  Cuttings, layering, seeds, suckers

Photo Credit:

By Karen