Overview: Philadelphus lewisii Pursh ssp. gordonianus (Lindl.) Munz
Philadelphus lewisii Pursh ssp. gordonianus (Lindl.) Munz, commonly known as the Gordon dwarf mock orange, is a deciduous shrub that belongs to the Hydrangeaceae family. This shrub is native to the western United States and is particularly found in the Pacific Northwest region.
Appearance
The Gordon dwarf mock orange typically grows up to 2-4 feet tall and wide. The plant has slender, arching stems that are covered in a dark brown bark. The leaves of this shrub are simple, arranged oppositely, and have an elliptical shape. The leaves are dark green, have a smooth surface, and can grow up to 2 inches long. The flowers of this plant are its most distinctive feature. The Gordon dwarf mock orange produces clusters of 3-8 white, fragrant flowers with a diameter of 1 inch. The flowers have a cup-shaped corolla with four or five petals and numerous stamens.
Common Names
The Gordon dwarf mock orange is commonly known by various names such as Gordon Philadelphus, Dwarf Mock Orange, and Lewis's mock-orange.
Uses
The Gordon dwarf mock orange has both ornamental and medicinal uses. This plant is grown as an ornamental shrub for its fragrant flowers and attractive foliage. It can be used as a border plant, hedge, or specimen planting. The flowers of this plant are also used in floral arrangements. The bark and leaves of this plant have been used by Native Americans to treat various ailments such as coughs, colds, and sore throats. The plant's bark contains various glycosides, which have been studied for their potential therapeutic properties.
Growth Conditions for Philadelphus lewisii Pursh ssp. gordonianus (Lindl.) Munz
Light: Philadelphus lewisii Pursh ssp. gordonianus (Lindl.) Munz grows best in full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate some shade but flowering may be reduced in shadier locations.
Temperature: This plant is native to the Pacific Northwest region and prefers cool, moist temperatures. It can tolerate some heat but may suffer in prolonged hot, dry periods. Winter hardy, it is able to withstand freezing temperatures and frost.
Soil: Philadelphus lewisii Pursh ssp. gordonianus (Lindl.) Munz prefers well-drained soils and can thrive in a range of soil types. Loamy, sandy soils are ideal, but it can also tolerate clay soils if there is adequate drainage. The plant can tolerate acidic to slightly alkaline soils, but prefers neutral to slightly acidic conditions.
Water: This plant is adapted to the moist environment of the Pacific Northwest and requires regular watering in dry conditions. However, it does not tolerate waterlogged soils, so good drainage is important.
Fertilizer: Philadelphus lewisii Pursh ssp. gordonianus (Lindl.) Munz does not require fertilization, but may benefit from a light application of a balanced fertilizer in early spring to promote growth and flowering.
Pruning: This plant blooms on old wood, meaning that flowers form on stems that are one year old or older. Pruning should be done immediately after flowering to avoid removing potential blooms for the following season. Pruning can help shape the plant, remove any dead or diseased wood, and encourage new growth.
Cultivation
Philadelphus lewisii Pursh ssp. gordonianus (Lindl.) Munz is native to the western United States and can thrive in a wide range of climates. It prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. This plant does well in USDA hardiness zones 5-8.
Watering Needs
During the growing season, Philadelphus lewisii Pursh ssp. gordonianus (Lindl.) Munz needs regular watering to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. However, it can tolerate dry periods once established.
Fertilization
A light feeding of balanced fertilizer in the spring can help stimulate growth. Be careful not to over-fertilize, as this can lead to excessive foliage growth at the expense of flowers.
Pruning
Pruning Philadelphus lewisii Pursh ssp. gordonianus (Lindl.) Munz should be done immediately after flowering. Remove any dead or damaged wood and cut back up to one-third of the oldest stems to promote new growth and maintain a healthy, full shape. Avoid pruning too heavily, as this can impact the plant's ability to produce flowers the following year.
Propagation of Philadelphus lewisii Pursh ssp. gordonianus (Lindl.) Munz
Philadelphus lewisii Pursh ssp. gordonianus (Lindl.) Munz, commonly known as Gordon's mock orange, can be propagated through various methods, including seed and vegetative propagation.
Seed Propagation
Seed propagation is a simple and common method for propagating Gordon's mock orange. The plant produces small capsule fruits that contain many seeds. To propagate through seed, one should collect the mature seeds when the capsules are fully dry and begin to open. The seeds can be sown in well-drained soil in a seedbed or individual pots. It is recommended to add a light layer of soil over the seeds and to water them lightly but regularly. Germination usually happens within 1 to 2 months.
Vegetative Propagation
There are several ways to propagate Philadelphus lewisii Pursh ssp. gordonianus (Lindl.) Munz vegetatively, including softwood cuttings, hardwood cuttings, and layering. Softwood cuttings are taken from new growth during the growing season, while hardwood cuttings are taken from mature wood during the dormant season. Both cuttings should be treated with rooting hormone and placed in well-draining soil to establish roots. Layering is another method where one bends a low-hanging branch down to the soil surface and covers it with soil. Eventually, roots will form, and the new plant can be separated from the mother plant.
Disease and Pest Management for Philadelphus lewisii Pursh ssp. gordonianus (Lindl.) Munz
Philadelphus lewisii Pursh ssp. gordonianus, also known as Gordon's Mock Orange, is a shrub that is generally easy to grow and maintain. However, like all plants, it is susceptible to diseases and pests that could harm its growth and development. Here are some common diseases and pests that might affect the plant and ways to manage them:
Diseases
Leaf spot and blight: Leaf spot and blight are common diseases that can affect Gordon's Mock Orange. The symptoms of these diseases include the appearance of yellow or brown spots on the leaves that eventually spread and cause them to wither and die. To manage these diseases, it is essential to remove all the infected leaves and other plant debris from around the plant, as they can serve as a source of infection. It is also helpful to ensure adequate air circulation around the plant and avoid watering the leaves directly.
Verticillium wilt: Verticillium wilt is a fungal disease that affects the vascular system of the plant, causing it to wilt and eventually die. The symptoms of this disease include yellowing and wilting of the leaves, stunted growth, and brown discoloration of the vascular tissue. To manage this disease, it is essential to remove and destroy all the infected parts of the plant, including the roots if possible. It is also helpful to avoid planting susceptible species in the same area and to improve the soil drainage and aeration.
Pests
Aphids: Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that feed on the sap of the plant, causing stunted growth, deformation of the leaves, and the appearance of a sticky substance on the leaves and stems. To manage aphids, it is essential to wash the plant with a strong jet of water to dislodge them or use insecticidal soap or neem oil. It is also helpful to attract natural predators of aphids, such as ladybugs and lacewings, by planting companion plants like dill, fennel, and yarrow.
Spider mites: Spider mites are tiny arachnids that feed on the sap of the plant, causing yellowing, bronzing, and early leaf drop. To manage spider mites, it is essential to wash the plant with a strong jet of water to dislodge them or use insecticidal soap or neem oil. It is also helpful to improve the humidity around the plant by misting it periodically or placing a tray of water nearby.
By taking care of your Philadelphus lewisii Pursh ssp. gordonianus and promptly addressing any signs of diseases or pests, you can ensure that it will thrive and add beauty to your landscape for years to come.
