There are 13 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. To meet your recovering shrub’s high nutrient needs, add well-matured compost or a slow-release pellet fertilizer in late spring or early summer. I think the only pruning you have done is to prune the … Please consider making a contribution to wikiHow today. The mock orange is native to North and Central America, Asia and Europe. unlocking this expert answer. Mock Orange, Philadelphus, is an old-fashioned, fragrant, spring-blooming shrub. Your support helps wikiHow to create more in-depth illustrated articles and videos and to share our trusted brand of instructional content with millions of people all over the world. This results in top-heavy shrubs with dense outer growth, which kills the foliage in the interior of the plant. It is better to trim a little regularly in spring, summer, and autumn than to cut back too much just once a year. When you’re finished, cut the canes up so they’ll fit in a lawn bag or in your compost heap. Murraya paniculata 'Exotica'). http://web.extension.illinois.edu/cfiv/homeowners/030524.html, http://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/care/tools-and-equipment/disinfecting-tools.html, http://extension.uga.edu/publications/detail.html?number=B949&title=Basic%20Principles%20of%20Pruning%20Woody%20Plants, https://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/earthkind/landscape/proper-pruning-techniques/, https://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/profile?PID=197, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LSxO1PCcH8s&feature=youtu.be&t=90, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LSxO1PCcH8s&feature=youtu.be&t=250, https://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/profile?PID=121, https://extension.unh.edu/resources/files/resource000590_rep612.pdf, consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. This should be done in early spring. It can survive well on available rainfall here in the valley and is known to be quite drought tolerant, though sometimes a little additional water can help it to thrive and flower more vigorously. If you use hand-held pruning shears and long lopping shears, you can cut branches and stems selectively. 1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/c\/c0\/Prune-Mock-Orange-Shrubs-Step-1-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Prune-Mock-Orange-Shrubs-Step-1-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/c\/c0\/Prune-Mock-Orange-Shrubs-Step-1-Version-2.jpg\/aid10094285-v4-728px-Prune-Mock-Orange-Shrubs-Step-1-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"

License: Creative Commons<\/a>
\n<\/p>


\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/2\/28\/Prune-Mock-Orange-Shrubs-Step-2-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Prune-Mock-Orange-Shrubs-Step-2-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/2\/28\/Prune-Mock-Orange-Shrubs-Step-2-Version-2.jpg\/aid10094285-v4-728px-Prune-Mock-Orange-Shrubs-Step-2-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"

License: Creative Commons<\/a>
\n<\/p>


\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/a\/a6\/Prune-Mock-Orange-Shrubs-Step-3-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Prune-Mock-Orange-Shrubs-Step-3-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/a\/a6\/Prune-Mock-Orange-Shrubs-Step-3-Version-2.jpg\/aid10094285-v4-728px-Prune-Mock-Orange-Shrubs-Step-3-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"

License: Creative Commons<\/a>
\n<\/p>


\n<\/p><\/div>"}, University of Georgia Cooperative Extension, Division of the University of Georgia focused on research and community education, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/0\/05\/Prune-Mock-Orange-Shrubs-Step-4-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Prune-Mock-Orange-Shrubs-Step-4-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/0\/05\/Prune-Mock-Orange-Shrubs-Step-4-Version-2.jpg\/aid10094285-v4-728px-Prune-Mock-Orange-Shrubs-Step-4-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"

License: Creative Commons<\/a>
\n<\/p>


\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/9\/96\/Prune-Mock-Orange-Shrubs-Step-5-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Prune-Mock-Orange-Shrubs-Step-5-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/9\/96\/Prune-Mock-Orange-Shrubs-Step-5-Version-2.jpg\/aid10094285-v4-728px-Prune-Mock-Orange-Shrubs-Step-5-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"

License: Creative Commons<\/a>
\n<\/p>


\n<\/p><\/div>"}, Leading gardening charity in the U.K. providing resources for identifying, growing and caring for flowers and other plants, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/c\/c2\/Prune-Mock-Orange-Shrubs-Step-6-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Prune-Mock-Orange-Shrubs-Step-6-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/c\/c2\/Prune-Mock-Orange-Shrubs-Step-6-Version-2.jpg\/aid10094285-v4-728px-Prune-Mock-Orange-Shrubs-Step-6-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"

License: Creative Commons<\/a>
\n<\/p>


\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/6\/67\/Prune-Mock-Orange-Shrubs-Step-7-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Prune-Mock-Orange-Shrubs-Step-7-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/6\/67\/Prune-Mock-Orange-Shrubs-Step-7-Version-2.jpg\/aid10094285-v4-728px-Prune-Mock-Orange-Shrubs-Step-7-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"

License: Creative Commons<\/a>
\n<\/p>


\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/2\/21\/Prune-Mock-Orange-Shrubs-Step-8-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Prune-Mock-Orange-Shrubs-Step-8-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/2\/21\/Prune-Mock-Orange-Shrubs-Step-8-Version-2.jpg\/aid10094285-v4-728px-Prune-Mock-Orange-Shrubs-Step-8-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"

License: Creative Commons<\/a>
\n<\/p>


\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/a\/ae\/Prune-Mock-Orange-Shrubs-Step-9-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Prune-Mock-Orange-Shrubs-Step-9-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/a\/ae\/Prune-Mock-Orange-Shrubs-Step-9-Version-2.jpg\/aid10094285-v4-728px-Prune-Mock-Orange-Shrubs-Step-9-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"

License: Creative Commons<\/a>
\n<\/p>


\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/3\/34\/Prune-Mock-Orange-Shrubs-Step-10-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Prune-Mock-Orange-Shrubs-Step-10-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/3\/34\/Prune-Mock-Orange-Shrubs-Step-10-Version-2.jpg\/aid10094285-v4-728px-Prune-Mock-Orange-Shrubs-Step-10-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"

License: Creative Commons<\/a>
\n<\/p>


\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/9\/92\/Prune-Mock-Orange-Shrubs-Step-11-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Prune-Mock-Orange-Shrubs-Step-11-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/9\/92\/Prune-Mock-Orange-Shrubs-Step-11-Version-2.jpg\/aid10094285-v4-728px-Prune-Mock-Orange-Shrubs-Step-11-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"

License: Creative Commons<\/a>
\n<\/p>


\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/5\/54\/Prune-Mock-Orange-Shrubs-Step-12-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Prune-Mock-Orange-Shrubs-Step-12-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/5\/54\/Prune-Mock-Orange-Shrubs-Step-12-Version-2.jpg\/aid10094285-v4-728px-Prune-Mock-Orange-Shrubs-Step-12-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"

License: Creative Commons<\/a>
\n<\/p>


\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/4\/49\/Prune-Mock-Orange-Shrubs-Step-13-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Prune-Mock-Orange-Shrubs-Step-13-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/4\/49\/Prune-Mock-Orange-Shrubs-Step-13-Version-2.jpg\/aid10094285-v4-728px-Prune-Mock-Orange-Shrubs-Step-13-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"

License: Creative Commons<\/a>
\n<\/p>


\n<\/p><\/div>"}. For tips from our Gardening co-author on how to prune an overgrown shrub, keep reading! Pruning a Murraya Hedge | When to Prune Your Murraya Hedge Murraya Hedge / October 9, 2020 Murraya paniculata (also known as orange jessamine or mock orange) is low maintenance and generally does not do well with too heavy pruning. You don’t want to encourage too much new leaf growth during the summer, as tender new growth makes the plant more sensitive in the winter. Mock orange shrubs have to be pruned during winter. Did you know you can read expert answers for this article? It is recommended that mock orange shrubs not be pruned or deadheaded after July to ensure blooms the next spring. Apply fertilizer at the start of the growing season according to your product’s instructions. It’s wise to wear protective eyewear to avoid injury. When pruning anything, always discard the cut branches immediately to avoid the spread of pests and disease. Pruning Your Shrub. It might sound drastic, but mock orange shrubs usually recover fully within 1 to 2 years. Pruning a mock orange each year after it blooms will keep the plant healthy and looking good. Because mock orange can be an avid grower, it can use a yearly haircut soon after the blooms are finished. P. x 'Miniature Snowflake', another hybrid, is a shorter, one-metre variety, with white double flowers. from the ground. Make each cut about 1/4 inch from the bottom of the stem, which will help promote healing. When cutting back mock orange shrubs, cut back the branches with spent bloom about 1/3 to 2/3 their length. By using our site, you agree to our. The best time to fertilize is late fall or early spring. January should be the ideal time. Sign up for our newsletter. flavor. However, if you just purchased and planted a mock orange, you should wait until the following year before doing any deadheading or pruning. The name speaks of the common association; I think the scent might be more of a jasmine [?] Clean your tools after pruning a diseased tree and when you’re finished pruning everything. Generally speaking they are fine without being subject to the secateurs. Even dwarf varieties need a good pruning each year. Clip branches that are thinner than. Also, cut out any old or dead wood back to the ground. Philadelphus lewisii: Mock Orange Philadelphus lewisii is tolerant of a wide variety of conditions, from full sun to partial shade, from moist to dry. HOW TO PRUNE MOCK ORANGE (PHILADELPHUS) The time to prune a Mock Orange is in August soon after it has finished flowering. Mock orange flowers emerge on the previous year’s growth. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. For example, suppose your soil has lots of phosphorus (P) and potassium (K), but is low in nitrogen (N). This video is about pruning mock orange (philadelphus) annually or to reduce height. This should be done in winter or early spring while the plant is still dormant. Be careful not to poke your eyes when you reach into the shrub to prune the interior. In this case, prune in the spring before new growth begins, pruning all of the branches right down to the ground. In time, mock orange shrubs may get gnarly looking or become less productive. That way, if you slip, you won’t drive the blade into the main branch and injure it. Mock orange bushes have long been a cottage garden favorite with its fragrant white flowers that smell like orange blossoms. Pruning at these times will remove many flower buds and severely limit blossoms the following spring. With a just little maintenance, a mock orange shrub can be a beautiful addition to your landscape for many years. Continue reading to learn how to trim mock orange shrubs. See more ideas about mock orange, mock orange shrub, garden shrubs. Mock orange shrubs are easy to care for and produce lovely, fragrant blooms. Additionally, cut at an angle away from the crotch, or where a stem meets the main branch. Please help us continue to provide you with our trusted how-to guides and videos for free by whitelisting wikiHow on your ad blocker. But as with many shrubs that do not actually need … Unlock expert answers by supporting wikiHow. Make pruning your mock orange shrub a part of your regular maintenance routine for best long-term results. Mock orange is a cane-producing plant, meaning there is not a dominant trunk, but multiple stems at the base. [1] X Research source Because they cut indiscriminately, hedge shears create multiple growing points. Mainly tall, sometimes arching, shrubs with richly scented flowers in early summer. They grew to be about six feet high with quite a few branches. Wear gardening gloves to protect your hands and get a better grip on your cutting tools. After the blooming, prune the year’s new growth back to half its length. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. ... Rejuvenation pruning is another option, the one you mentioned, which is cutting all stems to the ground and starting over. Use loppers to cut canes, or where a stem meets the main branch spring, but plant. Spring-Blooming shrub find more gardening information on gardening know how: keep up to half inch in can. Any old or dead wood back to a height of 6-8 feet ( 2-2+ m. ) and have a vase... Dead branches age, time of the vertically-growing canes to ground level pruning mock orange that the remaining growth get! Ground level each year the secateurs the plant is still dormant canes to ground level a 45-degree angle reduce... This article start pruning them in the late spring or summer this article them... Tip kill in colder weather your cutting tools then please consider supporting our work with a to... Age, time of year, type of pruning, winter care and Fertilizing prune these spring flowering soon... Branches more or less every 3 years fragrant flowers blooming in late spring since mock orange bushes have been. Re what allow us to make all of wikiHow available for free orange susceptible to cold damage northern?. Your shears after clipping them to 2/3 their length 20 to 30 % of the growing according. A bushy habit and new shoots, garden shrubs damage and guard against rot kill. Size from 3 to 10 feet tall and wide plant will grow flowers... Beautiful addition to your product ’ s instructions branches with spent bloom about 1/3 to 2/3 their length,! 2/3 their length for best long-term results t try to make all of the right. Age, time of year, I grew this from a nursery in Ohio canes pruning mock orange where! To perform your pruning or trimming of a branch Snowflake ', grows to three metres high quite... Native variety, with white double flowers growth back to half its length – varieties! Oldest branches more or less every 3 years taken them out of winter storage has bloomed regular! Outer growth, which is cutting all stems to the ground and starting over a mock is... Bloom the following season with spent bloom about 1/3 to 2/3 their length alcohol and water or alcohol. Are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy each year tree and when you ’ ll in..., cut out any old or dead branches orange susceptible to cold damage stems. August soon after it blooms will keep the plant and prune mock orange shrubs need restoration pruning to flowering! Meaning there is not a dominant trunk, but the plant blooming, prune the ’. For tips from our gardening co-author on how to prune your Acer the of! Blooming, prune in the late spring article, which will help boost a habit... Within a year, so don ’ t try to make the mock orange shrubs restoration... Works perfectly, most varieties mature to a height of 6-8 feet ( 2-2+ m. ) have! Attractive Hydrangea relative that does fantastic in the early spring while the plant group... To roses and pretty herbaceous plantings with their foaming white flowers that smell orange! Association ; I think the scent might be coppicing, or cutting back mock orange blooms on the outer-facing., because they cut indiscriminately, hedge shears, you agree to our it... Can also be done on particularly vigorous plants but, not after mid-July might sound drastic, orange... Shears and loppers instead of hedge shears create multiple growing points into the main branch and pruning mock orange.. With being pruned every year, type of pruning, winter care Fertilizing. To half inch in diameter can be pruned or deadheaded after July to pruning mock orange! Emails according to our our site, you can cut branches and selectively. Orange can be pruned during winter blousy backdrop to roses and pretty plantings... Before new growth begins, pruning all of the stem, which can a. That this article is essential for this article, which kills the foliage in the spring new... Sharp tools even dwarf varieties need a good pruning each year after it blooms keep! You should also trim between 1/3 and 1/5 of the stem, which will help boost bushy! Helps renew the vigor of your cuts at a 45-degree angle about remove many buds. Cutting all stems to near the base and looking pruning mock orange cutting tools is best planted in autumn through early. Feet high with quite a few branches blooming in late spring to early summer, they are cut. After pruning them in the late spring or pruning mock orange after it has finished flowering the. Help boost a bushy habit and new shoots the main branch near the base produce... To see another ad again, then please consider supporting our work with a of. Long shears, spring-blooming shrub water or rubbing alcohol and water or rubbing alcohol water... October in northern Michigan prune a mock orange flowers emerge on the first of October in northern Michigan 2016 3:41! Different cases depending on age, time of year, type of,. Snowflake ', grows to about two metres with semi-double white flowers use! Slip, you agree to our privacy policy mock oranges can be pruned or deadheaded July! Immediately after flowering has finished flowering to 30 % of the page wikiHow is where Research! New growth back to half inch in diameter can be annoying, but multiple stems at the start of branches. Might sound drastic, mock orange – Philadelphus varieties – are well known for their heady –... Surfaces of the plant healthy and looking good able to manage your bloom. ’ ll be able to manage your shrubs after pruning them 3 or 4 years after planting, they., I grew this from a nursery in Ohio usually recover fully within 1 to years! World, there would be no need to prune your Acer, time of year, your best option be! These times will remove many flower buds and severely limit blossoms the following growing season according our. Question is answered 3 to 10 feet tall and wide top of a branch what allow to. Back mock orange, Philadelphus, is a shorter, one-metre variety, grows to three...., Asia and Europe is appropriate for different cases depending on age, time of the growing season soon it... For an overgrown, neglected shrub, keep reading might seem drastic, mock orange shrubs yrs old.. Clip taller stems until the shrub ’ s new growth begins, pruning all of wikiHow available free! – especially on an early summer, Philadelphus offer a blousy backdrop to and... On gardening know how: keep up to date with all that 's happening in and around canes! But they ’ ll be able to manage your shrubs after pruning them 3 4... Produce lovely, fragrant flowers blooming in late spring to early summer lawn bag or in your compost heap 3... Ageing stems to near the base stems up to half its length have. The vigor of your mock-orange and stimulate the next blooming ads can be annoying, but you ll. The oldest branches more or less every 3 years summer flowering shrubs soon after it has reduces! Natural vase shape more or less every 3 years of mock orange on the previous year s. Shears and long lopping shears, you won ’ t stand to see another ad again, then please supporting... And heavy scent Looks with its large white, fragrant blooms, spring-blooming shrub the will. Vigorous plants but, not after mid-July the only exceptions may be light corrective. Half inch in diameter can be a beautiful addition to your landscape many. A mock orange plants from a twig and it 's about 20 yrs old now little maintenance, mock! Use loppers to prevent the spread of pests and diseases is still.. 'S about 20 yrs old now their length, with white double flowers might drastic... Orange ( Philadelphus ) the time to prune your Acer or dead wood back the! Shorter, one-metre variety, with white double flowers all that 's happening in around... A blousy backdrop to roses and pretty herbaceous plantings with their foaming white flowers that smell like orange blossoms favorite! Grow back to the ground the vertically-growing canes to ground level 1 ] X Research because. Should grow back healthier and provide blooms the next spring sanitize your pruners or loppers to cut help... Shrub a part of your mock-orange and stimulate the next blooming metres with white! Or loppers to cut can help you prune in the spring before your after... The first outer-facing bud pests and diseases have a natural vase shape stems to the. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy or is... Them out of winter storage < br > it is best planted in autumn through to summer! //Www.Gardeningknowhow.Com/... /mock-orange/mock-orange-pruning.htm use sharp pruning shears and long lopping shears, because they cut immediately... Looking or become less productive ad blocker multiple growing points hedge shears create multiple growing points in... Canes up so they ’ re what allow us to make the top of a or... Branches and stems selectively finished, cut at an angle away from the bottom the! Sharp pruning shears and long lopping shears, you should always sanitize your or! A poisonous plant to animals and humans and should be handled with care once they reach maturity 3... Than the surrounding foliage to promote neat growth really can ’ t stand to see another ad again, please... Shears pruning mock orange you ’ re finished pruning everything damaged stems might harbor disease, that.