Culture
Easily grown in average, dry to medium, well-drained soils in full sun to part shade. Tolerates a wide range of soils except poorly-drained ones. Flowers appear on prior year’s growth, so prune as needed immediately after flowering.
Noteworthy Characteristics
Philadelphus microphyllus, commonly called mock orange or littleleaf mock orange, is noted for its small leaves, fragrant summer flowers, exfoliating bark and drought tolerance. It is native to the southeastern U.S. from Wyoming to southern California and Texas. It is a multi-stemmed, deciduous shrub with an upright-arching habit that grows over time to 10-15’ tall. Although species plants are not considered to be highly ornamental for the garden, they are recognized as being easy-to-grow, low maintenance shrubs with excellent drought tolerance.
Genus name comes from the Greek word philadelphus meaning loving one’s brother or sister. A Grecian and Roman family name. New York Botanical Garden suggests that the genus name instead comes from Ptolemy Philadelphus, a king of the third century B.C.
Specific epithet means small (micro) leaf (phyllus) in reference to leaf size.
‘June bride’ is a cultivar that typically grows to 6’ tall and as wide. It is best noted for having large, extremely fragrant, 4-petaled, white flowers that bloom singly or in small clusters in late spring. Small, ovate, dark green leaves grow to only 2” long. Exfoliating red bark.
Problems
No serious insect or disease problems. Some susceptibility to leaf spot, canker, powdery mildew and rust. Aphids, nematodes, scale and leaf miners are occasional visitors.
Uses
Foundation plantings, hedges, shrub borders or low screens. Flower scent can be best appreciated if plants are sited near windows or patios.