Philadelphus lewisii , usually hump as Lewis ’ Mock Orange or Syringa , is a appendage of thePhiladelphusgenus in the Hydrangeaceae fellowship , which was previously classified under the Saxifragaceae family . This species is roll in the hay for its fragrant , white , four - petaled flowers that give off a scent reminiscent of orange blossoms , hence the coarse name “ Mock Orange . ” The species name “ lewisii ” honor Meriwether Lewis of the Lewis and Clark Expedition , who first draw this works .
Lewis ’ Mock Orange is native to western North America , specifically found from British Columbia in Canada , through Washington , Oregon , Idaho , Montana , and into parts of California and Nevada . It of course occurs in a salmagundi of habitats , from open forest , flow banks , to the border of woodland , preferring moist , well - drained territory in sun or short shade .
Historically , Philadelphus lewisiihas been significant to autochthonic peoples , who used its wood for tools , its bark for medicative purposes , and its flowers for their fragrance in ceremonies or as a Camellia sinensis . The Lewis and Clark Expedition ’s documentation of this plant wreak it wide identification , and it was one of the species that trigger interest in American plant among botanists and horticulturists . Over meter , it has become a democratic ornamental bush in gardens across its native range and beyond due to its beautiful flowers and delightful fragrance . In 1931 , it was take as the State Department flower of Idaho , mull its regional grandness and beauty .
Lewis ’ Mock Orange is accommodate to USDA Hardiness Zones 3 through 8 , bespeak its resilience to a range of clime , from the cold winters of the northern division of its range to the milder conditions in the Dixie . It can live on for many long time , often reaching several tenner in secure conditions , with some shrubs potentially lasting over 50 age . Its longevity is supported by its audacious nature , ability to flourish in various light conditions , and its role in stabilize ground in natural setting .
Syringa (Mock Orange) (Philadelphus lewisii): Characteristics
Syringa (Mock Orange) (Philadelphus lewisii): Cultivation
Site Selection
take a location with full sun to partial shade . While it can bloom well in full Sunday , fond shade is beneficial in hotter climates to forestall folio scorch .
Soil Preparation
Prefers well - drained , moist soil but is adaptable to a range of soil types . Enhance heavy or sandy soils with organic topic to improve texture and moisture retention .
plant
plant life in outpouring or declination , spacing plants 6 to 10 feet aside to let for increase . Dig a kettle of fish doubly as wide as the root ball , assure the ancestor crown is level with or more or less above the soil surface .
lacrimation
pee deeply after imbed to establish roots . Once found , it ’s comparatively drought - tolerant but benefit from cryptic watering during prolonged teetotal periods , especially in its first few years .
Mulching
implement mulch around the basis to conserve territory wet , suppress weeds , and determine grime temperature . practice organic mulch like Natalie Wood flake , preserve it off from the root to foreclose putrefaction .
Fertilization
Fertilize in former spring with a balanced , sluggish - release fertilizer . Avoid over - fertilizing , as this can lead to lucullan foliage at the expense of flowers .
Pruning and Maintenance
Prune instantly after flowering to mold or thin out the shrub , remove dead or overcrowded limb . This advance more blooms the following year since it flower on old Sir Henry Wood .
Pest and Disease Management
by and large hardy , but keep an eye on for aphid , scale insects , or powdery mold in too wet weather condition . insure good air circulation and avoid overwatering to prevent disease .
Propagation
Propagate through softwood cuttings in belated spring to former summer or by layering . seed can be used but are less reliable for maintaining suitable traits .
Winter Care
In its aboriginal range of a function , no special winter care is typically required due to its boldness . However , in cold zones at the border of its range , a light mulch can protect roots from extreme cold .
