Philadelphus microphyllus Littleleaf Mock Orange PFAF Plant Database

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Summary

Physical Characteristics

Philadelphus microphyllus is a deciduous Shrub growing to 1.2 m (4ft).
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6. It is in flower in June. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees.
Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and can grow in heavy clay and nutritionally poor soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very alkaline soils.
It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

Plant Habitats

Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Fruit
Edible Uses:

Fruit[105, 161]. Formerly used as food[257]. No more details are given.

References More on Edible Uses

Medicinal Uses

Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.

None known

References More on Medicinal Uses

Other Uses

Soap

The leaves are rich in saponins, when crushed and mixed with water they produce a lather that is an effective cleaner, used on the body, clothes etc[169]. You can wash your hands by merely picking a couple of leaves or a bunch of blossom, wetting your hands and then rubbing the plant material vigorously as if it was a bar of soap[K]. This soap is a very gentle cleaner that does not remove the body's natural oils, but does remove dirt. It is not very effective against oil[K].

Special Uses

Scented Plants

References More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

Easily grown in any moderately fertile preferably dry soil[184], succeeding in thin soils over chalk and tolerating poor soils[200]. Grows well in heavy clay soils. Succeeds in semi-shade but prefers a position in full sun where it will flower more freely[182, 200]. Hardy to about -20°c[184]. Plants grow best in the east and south-east of Britain, they are shy to flower in gardens with cool summers[11]. Plants are very tolerant of pruning, one third of the stems can be cut down to the ground each year in order to promote fresh growth and heavier flowering[202]. A very ornamental plant[1] with aromatic flowers smelling of pineapples[182].

References Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

Temperature Converter

Type a value in the Celsius field to convert the value to Fahrenheit:

Celsius Fahrenheit:

Plant Propagation

Seed - best if given 1 months cold stratification[113]. Sow February in a light position in a cold frame. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, 7 - 10cm long side-shoots, July/August in a shaded frame. Plant out in spring. High percentage[78]. Cuttings of mature wood of the current year's growth, 15 - 25cm with a heel, December in a sheltered bed outdoors. Fair to good percentage[78]. Layering in summer. Very easy.

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

Native Range

NORTHERN AMERICA: United States (Colorado, Wyoming (southwest), New Mexico, Arizona, California (south), Nevada (c. & s.), Utah), Mexico (Baja California (Norte))

Weed Potential

Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section. Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so it's worth checking.

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :

IUCN Red List

Related Plants

Latin Name	Common Name	Habit	Height	Hardiness	Growth	Soil	Shade	Moisture	Medicinal	Other
Philadelphus coronarius	Mock Orange, Sweet mock orange	Shrub	4.0	4-8	F	LMH	SN	M	0	1
Philadelphus delavayi		Shrub	4.0	5-9		LMH	SN	M	0	1
Philadelphus lewisii	Mock Orange, Lewis' mock orange	Shrub	3.6	4-8		LMH	SN	M	1	3
Philadelphus pubescens	Hoary mock orange	Shrub	5.0	5-9		LMH	SN	M	0	1
Philadelphus purpurascens		Shrub	4.0	5-9		LMH	SN	DM	0	1
Philadelphus x virginalis	Mock Orange	Shrub	3.0	5-8	M	LMH	SN	M	0	1

Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.

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Expert comment

Author

Gray.

Botanical References

1171200

Links / References

For a list of references used on this page please go here

Philadelphus microphyllus - Gray.