Gordon's Mock Orange Philadelphus lewisii var. gordonianus

Names

• Family

  Hydrangeaceae.

• Synonyms

  Gordon's Mockorange, Wild Mock Orange, Lewis' Mock Orange, Gordon's Syringa.

• Common names

  Philadelphus gordonianus Lindl., Philadelphus californicus Benth.

Toxicity

• To humans

  Mock Orange, the plant in question, is not known to be toxic to humans. Generally, the plant is considered non-toxic and there are no well-documented cases or symptoms of poisoning from ingesting any part of this plant.

• To pets

  Mock Orange is generally recognized as non-toxic to pets. It is not associated with any significant toxicity risk to cats, dogs, or other domestic animals if they ingest parts of the plant. No symptoms of poisoning from Mock Orange have been commonly reported for pets.

Characteristics

• Life cycle

  Perennials

• Foliage type

  Deciduous

• Color of leaves

  Green

• Flower color

  White

• Height

  6-10 feet (1.8-3 meters)

• Spread

  6-8 feet (1.8-2.4 meters)

• Plant type

  Shrub

• Hardiness zones

  5

• Native area

  North America

General Benefits

• Ornamental Value: Philadelphus lewisii var. gordonianus, commonly known as Mock Orange, has beautiful white flowers that are valued for their ornamental appeal.
• Fragrance: The Mock Orange is well-known for its delightful fragrance, which can enhance the sensory experience of any garden or landscape.
• Wildlife Attraction: The flowers attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies, supporting local ecosystems.
• Low Maintenance: Once established, Mock Orange is relatively low maintenance, requiring minimal care beyond occasional pruning.
• Drought Tolerance: It is fairly drought-tolerant, making it suitable for gardens in drier climates once fully established.
• Privacy Screen: When planted in groups or rows, Mock Orange can act as a natural privacy screen or hedge.
• Versatility in Landscaping: It can be used in various landscape designs, including as a specimen plant, in borders, or as part of a mixed shrubbery.
• Seasonal Interest: Apart from its spring blossoms, Mock Orange may also offer seasonal interest with its foliage turning yellow in the fall.
• Soil Adaptability: Mock Orange can thrive in a range of soil types, provided they are well-drained.

Medical Properties

This plant is not used for medical purposes.

Air-purifying Qualities

This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.

Other Uses

• Garden Boundaries: Philadelphus lewisii var. gordonianus, also known as mock orange, can be used to establish garden boundaries due to its dense foliage.
• Erosion Control: Its extensive root system helps to stabilize soil and control erosion on slopes and banks.
• Hedge Creation: Mock orange is often planted in rows to create an attractive and fragrant living hedge for privacy.
• Wildlife Habitat: The dense foliage provides shelter and nesting sites for birds, while the flowers attract butterflies and bees.
• Outdoor Events: Due to its strong, sweet fragrance, it's sometimes used as a natural backdrop for outdoor weddings and events.
• Dye Production: Traditional uses include making plant-based dyes from the bark for coloring fabrics or crafts.
• Education: This plant can be used in educational settings such as botanical gardens to teach about native plants and pollinators.
• Cultural Significance: In some cultures, mock orange branches are used in celebrations or as part of traditional costumes.
• Photography: Its beautiful blooms and overall structure make it an attractive subject for garden and nature photography.
• Sound Barrier: When planted in mass, mock orange can help reduce noise pollution by acting as a natural sound barrier.

Feng Shui

Mock Orange is not used in Feng Shui practice.

Plant Symbolism

• Renewal: As Philadelphus lewisii var. gordonianus, commonly known as Mock Orange, often blooms with bright, abundant flowers, it is seen as a symbol of renewal, representing the refreshing nature of spring and the beauty of new beginnings.
• Innocence: The white flowers of Mock Orange are commonly associated with purity and innocence, echoing the traditional symbolism of white blooms in various cultures.
• Hope: The hardiness of this plant and its capacity to rebound after the cold of winter suggest themes of hope and the idea that better times lie ahead.
• Eternal Love: The robust and lasting nature of the Mock Orange, coupled with its sweet fragrance, can represent the durability and sweetness of love that lasts through time.
• Memory: Sometimes, the Mock Orange's strong scent is tied to memory and nostalgia, evoking past experiences and the enduring nature of our recollections.