Caring for Mock Orange

Mock orange is low-maintenance once established. Water regularly during the first growing season to help roots settle in, especially in dry weather. After that, the shrub is fairly drought-tolerant and only needs watering during prolonged dry spells in summer. A deep soak every couple of weeks is better than frequent shallow watering. Avoid overwatering; mock orange dislikes sitting in wet soil. Feed in March or April with a general-purpose granular fertiliser (such as Growmore or blood, fish and bone) scattered around the base at the rate recommended on the packet. Alternatively, apply a 5 cm layer of well-rotted compost or manure as a mulch in early spring; this feeds the soil gently and helps retain moisture through summer. Avoid high-nitrogen feeds, which promote leafy growth at the expense of flowers. Mock orange is fully hardy across temperate Europe (zone 4a–8b) and requires no winter protection. Mulch around the base in autumn helps suppress weeds and insulate roots, but isn't essential for survival. Pests are rarely a problem. Aphids occasionally cluster on soft new growth in spring; a strong jet of water or a spray of insecticidal soap usually deals with them. Diseases are uncommon, though powdery mildew can appear on leaves in hot, dry summers, especially if the plant is stressed or crowded. Improve air circulation by thinning congested growth during the July prune, and water at the base rather than overhead. Leaf spot may occur in wet seasons but is mostly cosmetic and doesn't require treatment.