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Minnesota Mock Orange Shrub
Minnesota Mock Orange Shrub
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The Minnesota Mockorange is a cold-hardy, fragrant-flowered deciduous shrub that thrives even in the chilliest northern gardens. With its elegant double white blossoms, intoxicating citrus scent, and rugged adaptability, this bare root beauty delivers spring-to-early-summer magic with almost no maintenance.
Developed by the University of Minnesota for extreme cold climates, this variety was bred to bloom beautifully where others can’t. Its upright, arching form makes it ideal for hedges, borders, and foundation plantings in Zones 3 and up.
Minnesota Mockorange (Bare Root) Overview
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Variety | Bare Root |
| Botanical Name | Philadelphus lewisii ‘Minnesota Snowflake’ |
| Common Names | Minnesota Mockorange, Northern Mockorange |
| Mature Height | 6–8 feet |
| Mature Width | 5–7 feet |
| Growth Rate | Moderate (1–2 feet per year) |
| Lifespan | 20–40 years |
| USDA Zones | 3–7 (extremely cold-hardy) |
| Sun Preference | Full sun to partial shade (more blooms in full sun) |
| Soil Type | Well-drained loam, sandy, or clay soils |
| Soil pH | Slightly acidic to neutral (6.0–7.5) |
| Water Needs | Moderate; appreciates consistent moisture during bloom |
| Foliage Color | Medium green |
| Flower Color | Pure white double blooms |
| Bloom Time | Late spring to early summer |
| Fragrance | 🍊 Sweet citrusy scent, like orange blossoms |
| Wildlife Attraction | 🐝 Bees, 🦋 butterflies, and other pollinators |
| Growth Habit | Upright, arching, multi-stemmed |
| Self-Pollinating? | Yes |
| Spacing | 4–6 feet for massing or hedges; 6–8 feet for standalone use |
| Landscape Uses | Hedges, cottage gardens, walkways, foundation plantings |
| Maintenance Level | Low to moderate |
Environmental Benefits
🍊 Fragrant Blooms for Pollinators – Lush citrus-scented flowers attract bees and butterflies in droves.
❄️ Cold-Hardy Champ – Bred to survive and thrive in frigid climates where other shrubs fail.
🏡 Curb Appeal Hero – Classic form and crisp white blooms boost seasonal landscape beauty.
🌾 Soil Adaptability – Grows well in a wide range of soil types, including poor or compacted areas.
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ❄️ Exceptionally cold-hardy down to Zone 3 | 🌱 May sucker at the base without pruning |
| 🌼 Fragrant, double white flowers with classic appeal | ⏳ Short bloom window (2–3 weeks) |
| 🐝 Pollinator-friendly and non-toxic to pets | ✂️ Needs light pruning after flowering to maintain shape |
| 💧 Tolerates most soils and moderate drought | 🍂 Deciduous; bare branches in winter months |
| 🏡 Works well in both formal and informal landscape styles | 🌿 May grow leggy without full sun |
Planting & Care Guide (Bare Root)
💧 Soak Roots: Submerge in water for 6–12 hours before planting
🕳️ Planting Depth: Dig hole 2× wider than root system; keep crown at ground level
🍃 Mulch: 2–3 inches of mulch helps retain moisture and suppress weeds
🚿 Watering: Water weekly during first season; reduce once well-established
✂️ Pruning: Prune after bloom to shape and remove any suckers
🌱 Fertilizer: Apply balanced fertilizer in early spring if needed
The Minnesota Mockorange (Bare Root) is the perfect blend of northern toughness and sweet southern fragrance. Whether you're crafting a cold-hardy cottage garden or adding elegance to a tough spot in your yard, this classic shrub will bloom with beauty—and boldness—year after year.
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