Mock orange, Philadelphus, is an elegant, classic flowering shrub. For a long time, people have loved this plant’s pure white flowers, which smell great and remind people of orange blossom. They appear in late spring and summer against a smart backdrop of dark green, often arching foliage.
Some people think of mock orange as a “one-hit wonder” because it doesn’t do well after the flowers die off. But if you have room, it’s worth putting in the garden because it has so many beautiful flowers that smell great, especially in the morning and evening. The single-flowered varieties also attract bees and butterflies.
If you want to make the most of the fragrant flowers, put mock oranges in a large pot near a doorway or seating area. They look good at the back of a mixed border. Some compact varieties are available for smaller gardens, and plants grow well in pots.
Despite their delicate appearance, mock oranges are surprisingly tough, coping well in coastal and exposed areas.
Mock orange is a popular flowering shrub known for its sweet citrusy fragrance. While it is traditionally planted in the landscape mock orange can also thrive when grown in pots and containers. Below is a complete guide to successfully growing mock orange as a container plant.
Mock Orange Container Requirements
Mock orange can be grown in containers, but it does require some specific conditions to thrive:
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Large container size – Select a container at least 24 inches wide to accommodate the shrub’s mature size and root spread
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Drainage holes – The container must have drainage holes to prevent soggy soil.
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Rich potting mix – Use a quality potting soil that retains moisture but drains well.
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Full sun – Place the container where the plant will receive at least 6 hours of direct sun daily.
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Shelter – Protect the containerized plant from harsh winter winds and frost.
Choosing the Right Container
When selecting a container for mock orange, focus on providing adequate room for root growth. A too-small container will restrict the plant’s growth and flowering.
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For a single mock orange shrub, choose a 24-inch wide or larger container.
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For multiple plants, opt for a long planter box at least 24 inches wide.
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Make sure the container is sturdy enough to hold the mature plant weight.
Terra cotta, ceramic, resin, and wood are all suitable container materials for mock orange. Coordinate the planter color and style with your landscape design.
Best Soil for Containers
The soil is just as important as the container when growing mock orange in pots. Use a high quality potting mix formulated for container plants.
The ideal potting soil will:
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Hold moisture but still drain well
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Contain organic matter for nutrients
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Have a light, fluffy texture that allows air circulation to the roots
You can make your own potting mix by combining peat moss, compost, perlite, and vermiculite. Or simply purchase a commercial blend.
Planting Instructions
When planting mock orange in a container, follow these tips:
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Partially fill the container with potting soil. Form a mound at the center.
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Carefully remove the shrub from its nursery pot. Tease apart any circling roots.
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Set the plant atop the soil mound. The top of the root ball should sit just above the soil level.
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Backfill potting mix around the root ball and firm it gently with your hands.
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Water thoroughly until the soil is moist but not soggy. Allow excess water to drain out.
Caring for Container Mock Orange
To keep your mock orange happy in a container, focus on providing ample sunlight, frequent watering, and proper fertilization.
Sunlight
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Place container in full sun, ideally 6+ hours per day
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Partial sun of at least 4 hours daily may work
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More sun = more profuse flowering
Water
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Check soil daily and water when the top 1-2 inches become dry
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Potting soil dries out more quickly than in-ground soil
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Consistent moisture is key, avoid prolonged droughts
Fertilizer
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Use a balanced liquid fertilizer every 2-4 weeks during spring and summer
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Organic compost or slow-release granular fertilizer also works
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Fertilize less frequently in fall to prepare for dormancy
Overwintering Containers
Most mock orange varieties are hardy down to zone 4 or 5. But container plants are more vulnerable to cold damage.
There are two options for overwintering mock orange containers:
Bring pots indoors – Keep the container in a cool, minimally heated location like a garage. The plant will lose its leaves but remain dormant.
Keep outdoors – Heavily mulch the soil and wrap the container with insulation. Or sink the whole container in the ground and mulch the top.
Tips for Maximizing Flowers
To encourage prolific flowering on container mock orange:
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Choose a fragrant variety like ‘Sweet Jane’ or ‘Snow White Sensation’
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Prune lightly in late winter to remove old wood and shape the plant
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Fertilize regularly to support new growth
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Situate the container where it will receive maximum sunlight
With the right growing conditions, container culture is a great option for displaying mock orange’s beautiful spring blossoms and enjoying their unmistakable citrus scent up close. Pay attention to sun, soil, moisture, and protection to keep mock orange thriving season after season.
How to plant mock orange
Plant mock orange in spring or autumn, when the soil is warm and moist. Dig a generous hole, adding a spadeful of well-rotted compost and a sprinkling of mycorrhizal fungi. Back fill the hole, firm the soil and water in well. Mulch with organic matter such as garden compost or well rotted manure to help retain moisture.
How to grow mock orange
Philadelphus grows best in moist but well-drained soil in full sun or light shade. Avoid planting on heavy, wet soils or in heavy shade. Prune after flowering.
Growing Mock Orange in Your Yard
Can a mock orange grow in a pot?
The fragrant producing Mock Orange is a popular choice for a container. This fast growing shrub will easily outgrow its pot in one year. Summertime is a good time to re-pot your Mock Orange if necessary. Choose a much larger container with good drainage holes. Using fresh potting soil transfer the plant and water well after planting.
How do you grow mock orange?
Mock orange grows best in moist but well-drained soil in full sun. It looks good at the back of a mixed border. Plant mock orange in spring or autumn, when the soil is warm and moist. Dig a generous hole, adding a spadeful of well-rotted compost and a sprinkling of mycorrhizal fungi. Back fill the hole, firm the soil and water in well.
Is mock orange a container plant?
Mock Orange is a deciduous shrub commonly used to create lush flowering hedges, but this plant also makes a wonderful container plant. Featuring Mock Orange in containers makes it possible to enjoy the sweet-smelling flowers up close on a deck or patio while giving you the flexibility to relocate the plant as needed.
Are mock oranges hard to grow?
Despite their delicate appearance, mock oranges are surprisingly tough, coping well in coastal and exposed areas. Philadelphus grows best in moist but well-drained soil in full sun or light shade. Avoid planting on heavy, wet soils or in heavy shade. Prune after flowering. Mock orange grows best in moist but well-drained soil in full sun.