When to plant Mock Orange?

Mock orange is best planted between October and November or in March and April, when the soil is workable and the shrub is dormant or just breaking dormancy. Choose a position in full sun or partial shade; flowering will be most abundant in sun, but the plant tolerates a few hours of shade without complaint. This adaptable shrub accepts a wide range of soil types—loam, clay, sand, or chalky ground—provided drainage is reasonable. Avoid waterlogged sites. Prepare the planting hole to roughly twice the width of the root ball and the same depth. Fork over the base to break up compacted soil, and mix a few handfuls of well-rotted compost or manure into the backfill to improve structure and give the roots a good start. Position the shrub so the top of the root ball sits level with the surrounding soil; planting too deep can lead to stem rot. Backfill carefully, firming the soil gently with your heel as you go to eliminate air pockets. Water thoroughly after planting—give it a full watering can or two—to settle the roots. Apply a 5–8 cm layer of mulch (garden compost, bark chips, or leaf mould) around the base, keeping it a few centimetres clear of the stems to prevent rot. If planting in spring, keep an eye on watering through the first summer, especially during dry spells. Autumn-planted specimens usually establish with less fuss thanks to winter rain. Space plants about 200 cm apart if you're planting a hedge or informal screen; mock orange grows vigorously and will fill the gap within a few seasons.