mock orange bush buds but will not bloom

by joeann
(lindsay, ontario Canada)

Mock Orange

Mock Orange

I have a mock orange bush that I planted last year. It starts out absolutely covered in buds, but just as you expect it to burst into full bloom the buds start to droop and turn brown. I don't see any bugs on it and I have not pruned it at all as it was a new plant last year.

Comments for mock orange bush buds but will not bloom

Click here to add your own comments

Jul 12, 2020
Ran out of energy
by: Jacki Cammidge, Certified Horticulturist

I think what's happening here is that your shrub (being newly planted) is running out of steam. Give it a year or two and you'll wonder why you worried.

Mock Orange (Philadelphus) only blooms for a week or maybe two, the rest of the time it's just a green blob in the landscape, so I can see why you would be disappointed.

As you didn't send me a picture, it's hard to know if there is anything else going on.

Keep the soil moist, cut off the dead flower buds, and hope for better luck next year.

Click here to add your own comments

Join in and write your own page! It's easy to do. How? Simply click here to return to Ask the Horticulturist.