Featured Plant - Lewis' Mockorange

Claire Shady
Jul 15
2 min read

Updated: Jul 20

Lewis’ Mockorange (Philadelphus lewisii) blooming is one of the first signs of spring for many. Boasting the title of Idaho’s state flower, Lewis’ Mockorange can be found from British Columbia south to central California and east to Montana.

Considered an upland riparian (stream or riverside) shrub in the wild, Lewis’ Mockorange can serve as a hedgerow or border shrub to any home garden.

White flowers begin blooming in March and continue to produce delicate, orange-scented blooms through July. Lewis’ Mockorange is a drought-tolerant shrub that grows well in full sun or partial shade. Due to its low water needs, this is a great plant for drier areas of degraded streambank and riparian zones.

This shrub can grow up to 12 ft tall, but benefits greatly from pruning. In fact, light pruning will help the plant maintain its shape and encourage a more dense, full shrub. Beyond light pruning at the end of fall or beginning of spring, it’s recommended to cut about a quarter of the oldest branches to the ground every few years. This will open up and freshen up the shrub, similar to hydrangeas.

Lewis’ Mockorgange provides excellent cover and habitat for wildlife, as well as serving as a pollinator resource for bees and butterflies. Due to its attractiveness to pollinators, it’s recommended to landscape designers and homeowners to be aware of the risk with bees and plant it in the landscape accordingly.