How much sun does Desert mock orange need?

Desert mock orange grows best in full sun conditions.

When does Desert mock orange bloom?

Desert mock orange blooms in May, June, and July.

Where is Desert mock orange native?

Desert mock orange (Philadelphus microphyllus) is native to AZ, CA, CO, NM and 4 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.

What pollinators does Desert mock orange attract?

Desert mock orange draws native bees, butterflies, and hawk moths.

Desert mock orange

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Philadelphus microphyllus

Last reviewed: October 2026

Desert mock orange (Philadelphus microphyllus) is a perennial shrub native to AZ, CA, CO, NM and 4 more states. It blooms in May, June, and July. The flowers draw native bees, butterflies, and hawk moths.

Toxicity unknown

Desert mock orange (Philadelphus microphyllus) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

Light

full sun

Water

low

Size

36"–72" H × 36"–60" W

Bloom

May, Jun, Jul

Native to

AZ, CA, CO, NM and 4 more states

Pollinators

native bees, butterflies, hawk moths

Before you buy

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Southern California Mountains Central Basin and Range Mojave Basin and Range North American Deserts Northwestern Forested Mountains Southern Rockies Arizona/New Mexico Mountains Chihuahuan Deserts Southwestern Tablelands Madrean Archipelago

A rounded deciduous shrub with small, oval leaves and intensely fragrant, four-petaled white flowers held singly along the stems. It grows on rocky slopes and in canyons, its perfume carrying widely on summer evenings.

Growing Desert mock orange

Grow Desert mock orange in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 36 to 72 inches tall and spread 36 to 60 inches wide.

Wildlife value

Its fragrant flowers attract native bees and butterflies by day and hawk moths at dusk.

Common questions

How much sun does Desert mock orange need?: Desert mock orange grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Desert mock orange bloom?: Desert mock orange blooms in May, June, and July.
Where is Desert mock orange native?: Desert mock orange (Philadelphus microphyllus) is native to AZ, CA, CO, NM and 4 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
What pollinators does Desert mock orange attract?: Desert mock orange draws native bees, butterflies, and hawk moths.

Native range data from vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

If something looks wrong

Common plant problems, and what to check first

These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.

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