Botanical Name: Philadelphus lewisii
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Common Name: Western Mockorange  
Plant photo of: Philadelphus lewisii
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Water Saving Tip:

Replace turf with groundcovers, trees, and shrubs. If you have areas where no one uses the grass, patches that do not grow well, or a turf area too small to water without runoff, consider replacing the turf with water-efficient landscaping.

  • Anatomy

  • Culture

  • Design

Plant Type

Shrub

 

Height Range

6-12'

 

Flower Color

White

 

Flower Season

Spring

 

Leaf Color

Green

 

Bark Color

Brown, Red

 

Fruit Color

n/a

 

Fruit Season

n/a

Sun

Full, Half

 

Water

Medium

 

Growth Rate

Moderate

 

Soil Type

Clay, Loam, Rocky

 

Soil Condition

Average, Rich, Well-drained, Dry

 

Soil pH

Neutral, Basic

 

Adverse Factors

Attracts Bees

Design Styles

English Cottage, Ranch

 

Accenting Features

Fragrance, Showy Flowers

 

Seasonal Interest

Spring

 

Location Uses

Background, Shrub Border, Foundation, Walls / Fences

 

Special Uses

Cut Flowers, Hedge, Screen, Small Spaces

 

Attracts Wildlife

Butterflies

Information by: Stephanie Duer
Photographer:

  • Description

  • Notes

Lewis Mockorange is an irregularly rounded to upright deciduous shrub, growing about 6 to 8 feet tall and 4 to 5 feet wide. Clusters of fragrant, white flowers appear in late May to early June. Leaves are a soft, dull green with a yellow fall color. Bark is reddish to orange-brown, with mature wood displaying exfoliating bark. A western native it was discovered by Meriwether Lewis and named in his honor. 'Cheyenne' is a selection from the Cheyenne Research Center in WY chosen for its flowering.
Grow in well drained, loamy soil in full sun to light, filtered shade. Adapted to gravelly and rocky soils. Adaptive to moderately high soil pH. If pruning is necessary, do so selectively, or perform renovative pruning after blooming (see Guides).