1. * Douglas’ Mock Orange – Philadelphus lewisii
(fill-uh-DEL-fuss lew-ISS-ee-eye)
Family: Hydrangeaceae (Hydrangea Family); formerly in Philadelphaceae
Native to: Mountain ranges from S. OR to Central CA; on rocky slopes, in canyons or gullies, usually
in coniferous forests or on forest edges.
Growth characteristics: large perennial shrub
mature height: 4-10 ft. mature width: 8-10 ft.
Rounded, winter-deciduous shrub with down-curving branches.
Leaves attractive bright green.
Growth form varies depending on light availability. Fast growing.
Blooms May-July. Flowers white, showy and very aromatic (scent like orange
blossoms). Flowers can be 1 ½ inches across. Very attractive.
Blooms/fruits:
Uses in the garden: A favorite shrub in Victorian gardens.
Use as a large shrub or prune as hedge
or screen. Gives a ‘woodsy’ look to garden. Fine massed on slopes or near pond.
Fragrance is
very sweet – will perfume whole yard. Blossoms can be used for a natural soap, and wood is very
hard. Cultivar: ‘Goose Creek’ has long-lasting double flowers.
Sensible substitute for: Non-native shrubs, particularly scented shrubs.
Excellent habitat plant.
Nectar attracts bees, butterflies & hummingbirds. The white
flowers attract night-flying moths. Shrub provides cover and seeds for many small birds like finches
& juncos.
Attracts:
Requirements:
Element
Sun
Soil
Water
Fertilizer
Other
Requirement
Full sun is best for good flowering; will do ok in light shade
Any including clays; also tolerates low & high pH better than many shrubs
Moderate to regular water keeps it looking good; but pretty drought tolerant
Moderate fertilizer or nutrient mulch if you have nutrient poor soil
Prune occasionally if desired (every 4-5 years). You can rejuvenate by cutting 1/3
of the stems to the ground each year right after flowering. Rabbits & deer will eat it. Other than
that, an easy plant to grow.
Management:
Propagation: from seed: best if stratified 1 month
by cuttings: semi-softwood in summer;
hardwood in fall
Plant/seed sources (see list for source numbers): 1, 3, 8, 13, 14
2/13/11
* CA native plant but not native to Western L.A. county
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