Lewis' Mock Orange

Philadelphus lewisii

Also known as: California Mock Orange

Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Hydrangeaceae
Genus:
Philadelphus
Species:
Philadelphus lewisii

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:
Perennial
Growth Habit:
Shrub
Height:
12-20 ft
Light Requirements:
Full Sun, Part Shade
Drought Tolerance:
High
Bloom Months:
mar, apr, may, jun, jul
Bloom Colors:
White
Landscaping Shrub:
Yes

Native Range

United States: California, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington, Canada: Alberta, British Columbia

Host Plant for Caterpillars

Johnson's euchlaena moth (Euchlaena johnsonaria), short-lined angle (Anacamptodes clivinaria)

Reported Fauna Sightings

Bees: Yellow bumble bee (Bombus fervidus), Yellow bumble bee (Bombus fervidus)

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
rich, well-drained loamy soil
pH:
5.5 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
Drainage:
good drainage preferred
Moisture:
dry to moderate
Notes:
thrives in open woods and rocky slopes

Germination Information

Pre-treatment: For cuttings: re-cut and remove terminal buds, dip into Domain fungicide bath for 2 minutes, treat with 2000 ppm liquid IBA rooting hormone, and strike in rooting medium with bottom heat with at least 2 nodes below the surface. For seeds: 5 month outdoor cold moist stratification.

Establishment: Cuttings are collected in mid June from healthy field plants. Seeds are collected in late summer when capsules turn brown and begin to dehisce. The plant is found on open rocky slopes from low to mid elevations; from British Columbia and Alberta south to Montana, Idaho, and California. It is found from sea level to 2100 m elevation.

Source: npn.rngr.net