Philadelphus lewisii 'Lewis'
Common Name(s):
Wild Mockorange
Lewis Mockorange
Synonym:
Flower:
White
Blooms :
May
to:
Jul
White flowers with 4-5 petals, 1.5" across. 3 to 11 in a cluster. Sweet scent similar to orange blossoms.
Botanical Description
Fragrant?
YES
Family:
Hydrangeaceae
Med - Lg Shrub (usually >3' and never < 1.5')
Foliage:
Green
Simple oval glossy green leaves, growing opposite
Fall Color?
NO
Deciduous
Photo by:
Heading 6
Oregon Native?
YES
West State Native?
YES
Origins:
Northwest CA north to BC, east to ID and MT
Site Selection
Minimum USDA Hardiness Zone:
3
Water Needs:
L
Sun Needs:
Full Sun
Deer Resistant?
YES
Firewise?
YES
Height:
5-8'
Spread:
5-8'
Growth Rate:
Medium
Native Habitat:
Western US
Soil:
Adaptable to sandy, loam and clay soil
Care Recommendations
Maintenance Level:
Low
Fertilizer:
Use a balanced slow-release or organic general purpose fertilizer or top dress with compost once in early spring
Mulch:
2-3" layer of shredded hardwood, pine bark, or composted leaf mold
Prune immediately after flowering (late June or early July), use sharp shearers to cut back stems that just bloomed by about 1/3rd to strong side bud, cut 1/3rd of oldest stems down to ground every year, can coppice or cut back to 3' mound in early spring
Long Term:
Winter:
Stop watering, do not prune, protect young plants from voles
Spring:
Prune immediately after bloom to control size and shape
Summer:
Infrequent deep watering, light runing after flowering, mulch
Fall:
Taper off watering, add 2-3" layer of organic mulch or compost
General Care Comments:
Plant in full sun, well-drained soil, give deep infrequent watering during hot, dry spells
Common Problems
Improper moisture, poor drainage, incorrect pruning
Diseases:
Powdery mildew, grey mold, leaf blight, leaf spot, honey fungus
Insects:
Aphids, leaf miners, leafhoppers, caterpillars
Environmental Problems:
Dehydration, leaf yellowing
Pests:
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