Hairy Mock orange Philadelphus hirsutus Play pronunciation

Hairy Mock orange is a flowering, upright, deciduous shrub with a dense and rounded form in the hydrangea family. At maturity (5 to 10 years after planting), it can reach a height of 10 feet. It is native to the Southeastern United States including North Carolina, but is fairly rare in the mountains. The leaves and new stems are densely hairy (thus the common name) and the white, relatively sparse, blossoms appear in late spring and early summer.

Hairy Mock orange does best in organically rich, moist, well-drained soils in full sun to light shade. It tolerates a wide range of soils, including clay, as well as drought. 

Flowers appear on prior year’s growth, so prune as needed immediately after flowering. Stems can be cut to the ground (also just after flowering) if the shrub becomes scraggly, unkempt or otherwise in need of rejuvenation. Plant bare root plants in winter before the ground freezes.

This plant is best used as filler in a shrub border or on the edge of natural area. Given the sparse blossoms and lack of fragrance, this is considered one of the less ornamental species of the Philadelphus genus.

Diseases, Insect Pests, and Other Plant Problems:

No known diseases or insect pests. Can sometimes be susceptible to leaf spot, canker, powdery mildew or rust. Watch for aphids, nematodes, scale and leaf miners.