Appearance

Growth form

This dense evergreen shrub usually grows 8–13 ft (2.4–4 m) tall and often spreads broadly.

Leaves

The leathery, glossy leaves are widest near the rounded tip and crowd near the ends of twigs. Their edges are smooth and may curl slightly under.

Flowers

Fragrant five-petaled flowers open white and fade to cream or pale yellow. Male and female flowers are usually borne on separate plants.

Flowering time

In the southeastern United States, flowering is usually in April and May.

Fruit

A pear-shaped to rounded capsule ripens in fall and splits into three parts, exposing sticky red seeds.

Look-alikes

Where it lives

Typical habitats

• coastal gardens
• hedges and screens
• sandy well-drained sites

Range

It is native to southern Korea, Japan, the Ryukyu Islands, and Taiwan. It has been introduced to California, Florida, Georgia, and North Carolina.

Preferred conditions

It tolerates sun or shade, heat, drought, and salt spray, but it grows best in well-drained soil. It is generally suited to hardiness zones 8–10.

Flowering

Flowers Apr–May

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Flowers

Flowers Apr–May

Life cycle

Reproduction

Male and female flowers are usually on separate plants, so fruit develops on female plants after pollination.

Name and classification

Varieties and forms

Landscape cultivars include variegated forms such as 'Variegata' and 'Mojo' and compact forms such as 'Wheeler’s Dwarf'.

Conservation

IUCN Red List

NENot Evaluated·Not yet assessed

Threats

Poorly drained soil can cause the stem bases or roots to rot. Scale insects, aphids, mealybugs, and whiteflies may also occur.

Culture and stories

Culture and stories

• The common name mock orange refers to the flowers’ orange-blossom fragrance, not to a close relationship with citrus.