Covelo Mock Orange — Bay Area Native Plants

Care

Sun

full sun, part shade

Water

moderate

Soil

Medium; Well-drained soils that are coarse to medium (rich, loamy) textured.

Size

5–12ft tall , 6–6ft wide

Bloom

Mar-Aug

Foliage

Deciduous

Deer

Resistant

Fragrant

Yes

Flowers

Prized

Native Range

Horticultural cultivar from populations in Covelo area of Mendocino County; native range extends to Oregon and Washington in riparian woodlands.

Care Guide

Planting

Plant your Covelo Mock Orange in full sun in well-drained, loamy soil - it tolerates almost any soil type, but medium-textured, coarse soils work best. The Bay Area's mild winters mean you can plant in fall or early spring; either way, make sure the drainage is solid so roots don't sit in water. Space it where it has room to grow into its 5–12 foot mature size, and remember this is a fast-growing shrub that works beautifully as a focal point or informal hedge.

After Planting

Water moderately for the first summer to establish a strong root system, then taper off - once established, this shrub needs water only about 3 times per month during summer. The main mistake people make is overwatering; your Mock Orange is tough and drought-tolerant once it's settled in. Prune after flowering ends (by late summer) to shape it and remove dead wood, and expect the deciduous foliage to turn a lovely yellow before dropping in fall. Year one will be vigorous growth with flowers by spring or summer - this plant does most of the work for you.

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