WSU Clark County Extension
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Lewis Mockorange

Scientific name: Philadelphus lewisii
Taxonomy
Family:Hydrangeaceae
Type:Deciduous shrubs
Native:YES
Plant Requirements
Zone:4 to 9
Plant Characteristics
Height:10 ft
Width:5 ft
Bloom:Spring flowers
Bloom Time:May to July
Bloom Color:White
Additional Characteristics
Trees


Fruit

Leaves


Bark
Wildlife value

Poisonous
Description Lewis mockorange is a true Northwest native named in honor of the early explorer Meriwether Lewis.This beautiful, deciduous shrub, with sweet-smelling white flowers, grows from northern California into southern British Columbia, east to Montana and central Idaho from sea level up to 7,000 ft.

  Morphology:
Lewis mockorange grows 5’-10’ tall, and half as wide. It has stiff and erect arching stems bearing simple, opposite leaves which are 1”-3.5” long with either entire margins or slightly serrated (young leaves only). Showy white flowers (2” in diameter), with a marked orange scent, occur in clusters of 3-15 on lateral branches. Flowering of Lewis's mockorange occurs from May through July. Each flower has four petals, four styles and numerous stamens.

  Adaptation:
This plant grows in either sun to partial shade, typically as an understory plant, and thrives on just about any garden soil. In the wild it has a wide range of habitats including open forests with moist fertile soils to brushy areas on dry, rocky soils. In areas west of the Cascades it is commonly associated with riparian habitats.

In a home garden its best to prune out the older stems after they have bloomed.

  Pests:
None reported.
For assistance, contact Dr. Charles Brun (brunc@wsu.edu), (360) 397-6060 5701
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