Mock Orange Philadelphus 'Innocence' (v)

Water

Mock Orange 'Innocence' should be watered deeply to ensure the root zone is thoroughly moistened, especially during dry spells, generally once a week. However, the frequency should be adjusted based on weather conditions, more often during hot, dry periods and less during cool, rainy spells. A good approach is to provide about 1-1.5 gallons of water weekly but increase to twice a week during peak summer heat. Ensure the soil is well-draining to prevent waterlogging. During winter, watering can often be reduced as plant demand typically decreases.

Light

Mock Orange 'Innocence' thrives best in full sun to partial shade. The ideal spot is where it receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily, but can also tolerate light, dappled shade. Avoid deep shade locations as this may result in fewer flowers and a leggy growth habit.

Temperature

Mock Orange 'Innocence' is cold hardy and can tolerate winter temperatures as low as -20 to -30 degrees Fahrenheit, while in summer, it can handle temperatures well above 100 degrees Fahrenheit. For optimal growth and flowering, temperatures between 60 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit are ideal.

Pruning

Prune Mock Orange 'Innocence' immediately after flowering to shape the plant and remove spent blooms, which encourages healthy growth and more vigorous blooming in the following season. Pruning should happen annually since the plant blooms on old wood, and the best time for this is late spring to early summer after the flowers have faded.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Mock orange 'Innocence' thrives in well-draining soil enriched with organic matter, such as compost or peat moss, to promote healthy growth. A balanced mix should consist of two parts garden soil, one part peat or compost, and one part perlite or sand for drainage. The best soil pH for Mock orange ranges from 6.0 to 7.5, slightly acidic to neutral. Regular mulching helps maintain soil moisture and health.

Repotting

Mock orange 'Innocence' are typically grown as outdoor shrubs and do not require frequent repotting. If grown in containers, they should be repotted every few years or when the plant becomes root-bound. It's best to repot in the early spring before the onset of the growing season.

Humidity & Misting

Mock orange 'Innocence' is tolerant of a wide range of humidity levels and does not require specific humidity conditions for optimal growth. They are versatile and can thrive in the humidity levels typically found in most outdoor garden environments.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Ensure full light, room temp, and moderate soil moisture.

• Outdoor

  Plant in well-draining soil, full sun to partial shade.

• Hardiness zone

  4-8 USDA

Life cycle

The Philadelphus 'Innocence', commonly known as the Mock Orange 'Innocence', initiates its life cycle with seed germination, which occurs in well-draining soil with full sun to partial shade exposure. After germination, the seedling stage is marked by the emergence of primary leaves and the establishment of a rudimentary root system. As it enters the vegetative stage, the Mock Orange 'Innocence' develops a woody structure and a bush-like form, producing lush green foliage. During the reproductive stage, typically in late spring to early summer, it produces fragrant, white flowers that attract pollinators and may result in the production of seeds if conditions are favorable. After flowering, the plant enters a period of fruit development and seed maturation, though propagation is often achieved through cuttings rather than seeds. The Mock Orange 'Innocence' is a perennial shrub, and it will enter a period of dormancy during the colder months before resuming its growth cycle in the following spring.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring to Summer

• Philadelphus 'Innocence', commonly known as Mock Orange, is typically propagated by softwood cuttings. The best time to take cuttings for propagation is in late spring to early summer when the plant's new growth is still flexible and not yet mature. To propagate by softwood cuttings, a 4 to 6-inch piece of stem is cut from the parent plant. The lower leaves are removed, and the cut end is often dipped in rooting hormone to encourage root development. The cutting is then inserted into a pot filled with a well-draining rooting medium such as a mix of half perlite and half peat. The pot should be kept in a warm, bright area but out of direct sunlight, and the soil should be kept consistently moist but not waterlogged. Within several weeks, the cutting should begin to root, and can eventually be transplanted into the garden.