Desert Mountain Mock Orange

Philadelphus microphyllus var. madrensis

Native to:
Mexico, United States

Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Hydrangeaceae
Genus:
Philadelphus
Species:
Philadelphus microphyllus var. madrensis
USDA Symbol:
PHMA8

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:
Perennial
Growth Habit:
Shrub
Height:
200 cm
Light Requirements:
Full Sun
Drought Tolerance:
High
Bloom Months:
may,jun,jul
Bloom Colors:
white
Landscaping Shrub:
Yes

Wildlife Benefits

Bees:
★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:
birds, bees
Deer Resistant:
Yes
Fragrant:
Yes
Fire Ecology:
Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire
Fire Notes:
Resprouts from root crown following fire; found in fire-prone mountain habitats.

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
rocky, well-drained, nutrient-poor soil
pH:
6.0 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
Drainage:
excellent drainage required
Moisture:
dry to moderate
Notes:
native to arid, mountainous regions

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:
Cold/moist stratification required — 60–90 days
Germination Time:
14–42 days
Notes:
Seeds require light for germination. Cold stratification improves germination rates.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI

Pre-treatment: Cold-moist stratification for 30 days at 1–5°C (34–41°F).

Source: Claude AI