Its late spring and the neighborhood is filled with the sweet scent of mock orange blooms. When you look at your fake orange, it doesn’t have a single flower, but all the others are full of them. You’re sad and start to wonder, “Why isn’t my mock orange blooming?” Keep reading to find out why mock orange doesn’t have flowers.
Mock orange is a popular flowering shrub valued for its incredibly fragrant blooms that resemble orange blossoms. But when exactly can you expect mock orange bushes to burst into that sea of sweet-smelling white flowers? Understanding the mock orange blooming timeline helps you plan your landscape design and care for these plants.
An Overview of Mock Orange Shrubs
Before diving into bloom times, let’s cover some mock orange basics. These easy-care, deciduous shrubs belong to the Philadelphus genus. The most common garden varieties include:
- Philadelphus virginalis (Virginal mock orange)
- Philadelphus lewisii (Lewis mock orange)
- Philadelphus coronarius (Sweet mock orange)
Mock oranges grow 4-10 feet tall and wide in USDA Hardiness Zones 4-8. The lush green leaves provide a nice backdrop for the flowers Mock orange shrubs thrive with full sun exposure and well-drained soil Once established, they have moderate drought tolerance.
The Mock Orange Blooming Season
The flowers are what make mock orange so prized, But when do they bloom? Here are some key facts about the mock orange blooming timeline
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Bloom time Late spring to early summer Most mock oranges bloom May-June
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Flowering duration: Blooms last 2-3 weeks.
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Peak bloom: Flowers are most abundant for 7-10 days at the height of the blooming period.
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Reblooming: Mock orange flowers reliably each spring. Some varieties rebloom intermittently into the summer.
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Bloom impact: Flowering completely covers the shrub in white during peak bloom for a stunning floral display.
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Fragrance: The blooms have a sweet, citrusy orange-blossom scent. Fragrance intensifies when warmed by the sun.
Regional Differences in Mock Orange Bloom Seasons
While mock orange generally blooms in May-June, you may see some slight regional differences:
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Southern range: Warm climates induce earlier bloom times, as early as March-April.
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Northern range: Colder climates push bloom times to late May-June.
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Coastal climates: Temperate Pacific Coast climates stretch the bloom season into summer.
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Inland climates: Hotter, drier climates concentrate bloom times to just 2-3 weeks.
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High elevations: Flowering happens 1-2 weeks later at higher elevations.
Factors Affecting the Mock Orange Blooming Period
Mock orange is a relatively consistent bloomer when grown in its preferred conditions. However, the bloom time can shift earlier or later based on certain factors:
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Mild winters: Warm spells induce earlier spring growth and bloom times.
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Sun exposure: Full sun encourages the most abundant flowering. Too much shade delays blooming.
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Moisture: Adequate water ensures good flowering. Drought stress can diminish blooms.
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Pruning: Pruning immediately after blooming preserves next year’s flower buds.
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Fertilization: Proper spring feeding provides nutrients for the best blooms.
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Maturity: Young shrubs produce fewer flowers until well established. Mature mock oranges flower prolifically.
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Cultivar: Some varieties naturally bloom earlier or later in the season.
Extending the Mock Orange Bloom Season
While individual mock orange flowers only last 2-3 weeks, you can extend the blooming display in your landscape:
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Plant early, mid, and late-blooming mock orange varieties together to stagger bloom times.
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Choose reblooming mock orange cultivars for recurring flowers.
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Fertilize and prune properly to encourage abundant blooming each year.
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Provide supplemental water during dry periods to avoid drought stress on blooms.
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Grow mock oranges in containers and move them to prolong flowering.
With smart selection and care, you can enjoy mock orange’s fabulously fragrant blooms from spring through fall!
Caring for Mock Oranges After Flowering
Once mock orange finishes its spring bloom period, a bit of care prepares the plant for next year’s flowers:
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Prune immediately after flowering to avoid removing buds for next year.
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Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer to feed the plant.
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Maintain consistent soil moisture, especially for newly planted shrubs.
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Monitor for pests like scale, spider mites, or leaf miners and treat as needed.
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Apply organic mulch around the base to conserve moisture and suppress weeds.
Planning Your Landscape Around Mock Orange Bloom Times
Now that you know about mock orange’s late spring blooming habits, you can plan accordingly:
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Combine mock oranges with other late spring-blooming plants like spirea, viburnum, bridal wreath spirea, iris, peonies, and alliums.
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Use mock orange as an anchor plant or border with complementary summer-blooming perennials.
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Grow mock orange as a fragrant feature near outdoor living spaces so you can enjoy the aroma.
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Plant where you can easily view and appreciate the blooms—along walkways, fences or foundations.
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Time other landscape maintenance like pruning and fertilizing around mock orange’s bloom season.
With their incredibly sweet scent and stunning floral display, few flowering shrubs can compete with mock orange at its peak bloom time. Now that you know when to expect those beloved blossoms, you can anticipate this springtime treat!
Why a Mock Orange Bush Does Not Bloom
Hardy in zones 4 through 8, mock orange shrubs bloom in late spring to early summer. When mock orange is pruned, it is important to future flower development. Like lilacs, mock orange should be pruned right after flowers fade. Pruning too late in the season can cut off next years buds. This will result in a mock orange not flowering the next year. Mock orange benefits from pruning once a year, after blooms fade. Also, make sure to cut off any branches that are dead, diseased, or broken to keep your mock orange bush healthy and looking good. Improper fertilization can also be a reason why a mock orange bush does not bloom. If lawn fertilizers have too much nitrogen, a fake orange will get big and bushy but not flower. Nitrogen promotes nice, lush, green foliage on plants but inhibits blooms. When all the plant’s energy is put into the foliage, it cannot develop flowers. In places where lawn fertilizer might be too much for mock orange, either build a berm around where you want to plant it or put some foliage plants between the lawn and it. These plants can absorb much of the nitrogen before it gets to the shrub. Also, use fertilizers high in phosphorus to assist in getting a mock orange to flower. Mock orange needs adequate light to bloom as well. The plants we plant are young and small when we plant them, but as they grow, they can shade each other. If your mock orange is not receiving full sun, you will probably not get many, if any, blooms. If possible, trim away any plants shading the mock orange. Sometimes you may need to dig up your mock orange and move it to a spot where it will get full sun.
Keep your Mock Orange Blooming
FAQ
How do I get my mock orange to bloom?
Does mock orange bloom on old or new wood?
When should I trim my mock orange?
Does mock orange like shade or sun?
When do mock orange trees bloom?
All year long, it is important to clear around the foot of the mock-orange to remove weeds and ensure the water drains well around the roots. Adding all-purpose fertilizer in spring will boost growth, blooming and make the leafage magnificent. This very beautiful shrub blooms in June, but often even starts in May.
When do mock orange flowers rebloom?
Mock orange flowers are the star of this plant. The four-petal white flowers generally bloom in May and June in numerous clusters of five to seven, and they have a very sweet scent. They will readily rebloom year after year as long as the shrub remains healthy and in optimal growing conditions.
What does a mock orange bush smell like?
Not only do the blooms smell like citrus flowers, they look similar as well. Mock orange is a perfect nickname for this plant. Below you’ll find everything you need to know to grow and care for your very own bush, a true gift to your nostrils when in bloom.
Can mock orange flowers grow in the shade?
Placing this plant in the shade can hinder flowering and overall health. Mock orange prefers full sun and lots of open air. If grown in a shady spot, it may not flower vigorously. The best part about this plant is the fragrant blooms, so you don’t want to miss out on this feature.