Philadelphus lewisii
“Wild Mock-orange”

 

In early Summer Philadelphus lewisii covers itself with a profusion of large 2” pure white flowers, each with a boss of yellow stamens.  The fragrance is amazing: orange-blossom with a hint of pineapple. Yum! Discovered in 1906 by Meriwether Lewis, “Wild Mock-orange” is widespread through northwestern California, Montana & it is the state flower of Idaho. Its habitat varies & I have seen it in semi-shaded Californian woodlands as well as poking out of volcanic cracks in blazing hot “Craters of the Moon”, Idaho. In gardens, it thrives in semi-shade & makes a great background shrub or specimen plant. The shrub can get large (4-10’ tall & 6-12’ wide) so make sure to give it space to grow. Poor soil is OK & it requires  little water although it may lose it leaves prematurely in very dry soil.

Anni J.
Propagator