As a gardening and landscaping expert, I can provide you with some suggestions for companion plants that would pair well with mock orange in your region. Native shrubs are always a great choice as they are well-adapted to the local climate and soil conditions. Let’s explore some options:
1. Ninebark: This versatile shrub is known for its attractive foliage and interesting bark. It comes in a variety of colors, from deep burgundy to golden yellow. Ninebark can complement the white blooms of mock orange nicely and add visual interest to your garden.
2. Dogwoods: There are various sizes and forms of dogwoods that can be suitable companions for mock orange. For example, the red twig dogwood (Cornus sericea) with its vibrant red stems can provide a beautiful contrast to the mock orange’s white flowers. Alternatively, the pagoda dogwood (Cornus alternifolia) with its layered branches and delicate white flowers can create an elegant combination.
3. Snowberry: This deciduous shrub produces clusters of small white berries that persist throughout the winter, adding interest to your garden even after the mock orange has finished blooming. Snowberry’s arching branches and green foliage can complement the mock orange’s upright growth habit.
4. Serviceberry: Also known as Juneberry or Saskatoon, serviceberry is a small tree or large shrub that produces beautiful white flowers in spring, followed by delicious berries in summer. Its delicate blooms can harmonize with the mock orange, creating a charming display.
5. Aronia: This shrub, also called chokeberry, offers dark green foliage and clusters of white flowers in spring, followed by colorful berries in fall. It can provide a nice backdrop to the mock orange and add seasonal interest to your garden.
6. Witch Hazel: With its unique, spidery flowers that bloom in late winter or early spring, witch hazel can be a striking companion plant for mock orange. Its yellow, orange, or red blossoms can add a burst of color before the mock orange starts to bloom.
By selecting a combination of these native shrubs, you can create an informal mixed hedge at your property border, incorporating the beauty of mock orange with complementary plants that will thrive in your region. This will not only enhance the visual appeal of your garden but also attract beneficial wildlife such as birds and butterflies.
In my personal experience, I have found that combining different shrubs with mock orange can create a visually stunning and diverse landscape. The contrasting colors, textures, and bloom times of these companion plants add depth and interest to the garden throughout the year. Additionally, choosing native species ensures that the plants are well-suited to the local environment, requiring less maintenance and providing habitat for native wildlife.
When selecting companion plants for mock orange, consider native shrubs that will thrive in your region and complement the mock orange’s blooms. With a thoughtful selection, you can create a beautiful and harmonious garden that will be a delight to both you and the local ecosystem.
