Lewis's mock orange
Philadelphus lewisii
Last reviewed: August 2026
Lewis's mock orange (Philadelphus lewisii) is a perennial shrub native to CA, ID, MT, OR and 1 more states. It blooms in May and June. The flowers draw bees and butterflies. It reads as an intentional, HOA-friendly planting in the right spot.
Light
full sun
Water
medium
Size
60"–120" H × 60"–96" W
Bloom
May, Jun
Native to
CA, ID, MT, OR and 1 more states
Pollinators
bees, butterflies
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This mock orange is a deciduous, multi-stemmed shrub known for its arching branches and clusters of fragrant, four-petaled white flowers in late spring. Found naturally along stream banks, rocky slopes, and open woodlands, it has an informal, airy habit suited to naturalized borders and mixed shrub plantings.
Growing Lewis's mock orange
Grow Lewis's mock orange in full sun and medium water. Mature plants reach 60 to 120 inches tall and spread 60 to 96 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Lewis's mock orange is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 3 out of 5.
Works well in: mixed shrub border, naturalized planting, screening.
- informal, arching habit needs room to spread
- may need occasional thinning after bloom to maintain shape
Wildlife value
Profuse, fragrant late-spring flowers attract bees and butterflies for nectar and pollen.
Common questions
- How much sun does Lewis's mock orange need?
- Lewis's mock orange grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Lewis's mock orange bloom?
- Lewis's mock orange blooms in May and June.
- Where is Lewis's mock orange native?
- Lewis's mock orange (Philadelphus lewisii) is native to CA, ID, MT, OR and 1 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
- What pollinators does Lewis's mock orange attract?
- Lewis's mock orange draws bees and butterflies.
- Is Lewis's mock orange HOA-friendly?
- Lewis's mock orange is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.
Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Ready to grow Lewis's mock orange? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
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