Scentless Mock Orange
Philadelphus inodorus
Last reviewed: September 2026
Philadelphus inodorus is a deciduous shrub that produces white flowers in May and June and grows well in woodland edges and open sites across the southeastern United States.
Toxicity unknown
Scentless Mock Orange (Philadelphus inodorus) 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
part sun
Water
medium
Size
72"–120" H × 60"–96" W
Bloom
May, Jun
Native to
AL, FL, GA, KY and 6 more states
Pollinators
bees, beetles
Before you buy
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Scentless mock orange is a medium to large deciduous shrub that produces clusters of white flowers in late spring and early summer. This native shrub has an upright, somewhat open growth habit and provides good structure in the landscape. Despite its name, some varieties do have a light fragrance.
Growing Scentless Mock Orange
Grow Scentless Mock Orange in part sun and medium water. Mature plants reach 72 to 120 inches tall and spread 60 to 96 inches wide. Expect moderate maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Scentless Mock Orange is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: moderate. Tidiness: 4 out of 5.
Works well in: front yard, foundation, street edge, mid zone.
- Large mature size may require regular pruning to maintain neat appearance
Wildlife value
The white flowers attract bees and beetles during the blooming period in May and June. Birds may use the shrub for nesting due to its dense branching structure.
Common questions
- When does Scentless Mock Orange bloom?
- Philadelphus inodorus typically flowers in May and June, producing white blooms along its arching branches.
- What pollinators visit Philadelphus inodorus?
- Bees and beetles are the main visitors to the flowers of this shrub.
- How much light does this shrub need?
- It grows best in part sun but tolerates conditions ranging from full sun to part shade, especially at woodland margins.
- How much water does Philadelphus inodorus require?
- It prefers medium moisture but can tolerate drier soils once established.
- Is this a deciduous or evergreen shrub?
- Philadelphus inodorus is deciduous, dropping its leaves in fall and leafing out again each spring.
- Is Scentless Mock Orange HOA-friendly?
- Scentless Mock Orange is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with moderate maintenance.
These answers were drafted with an AI model from this plant's data. Verify care details with a local expert.
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.
- It is dying right after planting
- Leaves turning yellow
- Wilting even though I watered it
- Brown crispy leaf tips
- Bugs on the plant
Ready to grow Scentless Mock Orange? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
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