I have had a Mock Orange for over 10 years and it has never bloomed. I have trimmed it even though it didn't bloom like one website said to. I keep nitrogen away from it, and it gets good sun. I was going to give it away this summer and then it was going. I really don't want to but what's the point of having it if it doesn't bloom. I live in central Missouri in zone 5. Help! Tamie
You are not alone in this complaint. We read many gardener complaints of a non blooming Mock Orange. I do feel that zone 5 can be more difficult for a Mock Orange. Many varieties are only hardy down to zone 6. Winter can easily kill off the buds.
I would also recommend a soil and ph test. Soil should be well draining with a neutral to slightly acid ph.
An application of Phosphorous may help promote flowering. Bone Meal is a good organic source of this needed nutrient.
Apply all the way out to the drip line of the tree.
I also have had some gardeners tell me they had luck with a hard prune which resulted in the tree producing some flowering the following season.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/mock-orange/no-flowers-on-mock-orange.htm
Re: Philadelphus tree - this is over 30 years old and in last 2 years has stopped leafing and flowering. It got so big (about 5mtrs) all I did was reach as far as I could with shears rather than a proper prune. Should we give up on it or prune all back to the thick trunks or perhaps all the way down to base? Thanks - Any help would be gratefully received as this tree has been so beautiful and fragrant over many years.
A mature Mock Orange should only be pruned by 1/3.
Pruning should follow the blooming period.
Here is an article that will help you.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/mock-orange/mock-orange-bushes.htm
I have a Philadelphus Starbright in my garden. I have tried to get another one for 3 years, with no luck. I would like to know if I can split it safely.
A Mock Orange cannot be divided but you could propagate by cuttings or even seeds.
Soft wood cuttings can be taken in Summer and hard wood cuttings can be used in Fall or Winter.
Here is a link that explains how to take cuttings.
Can one root a mock orange bush from a cutting?
Yes, you can root mock orange cuttings. For this plant, you should take hardwood cuttings, as described in these articles:
https://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/profile?PID=387
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/tgen/how-to-root-cuttings-from-various-shrubs-bushes-and-trees.htm
I have a very mature very old mock orange bush that is "infested" with thorns from a "vine" of thorns that grow from huge tubers within the roots of the mock orange bush. How can I safely remove the tubers or otherwise kill the tubers without killing the mockorange bush? Other tubers of these briars were in a bed with azelias also entwined in the roots. One of the azelia had died.... When I dug it out I found the tubers some of which were 12 in long and 6 in wide and maybe 1.5-2in thick. I'm thinking what I need to do is completely dig up the mockorange, dig out all the briar tubers and replant the mockorange ( after cutting it way back.... To about five feet) do you agree?
If you decide to transplant your Mock Orange, doing so when the shrub is dormant is recommended.
Here are some articles to help you.
https://www.ehow.com/how_8757112_transplant-mock-oranges.html
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/mock-orange/mock-orange-bushes.htm
Do to the size and the issue of the invasive briar vine, you don't really have any good solution.
You could cut the vines down to the ground or tuber, and paint the cut ends with full strength herbicide.
You would need to be extremely careful to not touch the Mock Orange with the herbicide.
I personally might try a test of this method, before transplanting.
This technique is covered in these articles.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/tgen/kill-zombie-tree-stump.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/tgen/weed-trees.htm
Do deer like mock orange bushes? We live in Iowa Falls, Iowa (in town) and have lots of deer in this particular area who love to graze in my back yard. They have eaten hostas, roses, lillies, marigolds. How about mock orange bushes? Thank you.
Mock Orange bushes are not exactly a favorite, but when food is scarce they'll eat just about anything. These articles will give you some additional information about how to discourage deer from eating the plants that you want to keep:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/animals/camouflage-gardening.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/deer/deer-repellents.htm
we have philadelphus shrub which we bought because it said it was good for seaside areas. It has now been planted for 5 years but has never flowered. It is thriving as an evergreen but no flowers. Are we doing something wrong. Should we be treating it in a special way? Thank you
This article will help you.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/mock-orange/no-flowers-on-mock-orange.htm