The Symbolic Essence of the Mock Orange Flowers

Mock orange flowers are beautiful blossoms that resemble those of orange trees both in their appearance and deliciously sweet fragrance. With an intriguing history and symbolic tradition, these lovely blossoms can have a special place in your garden and in your heart. This guide will take you through everything you need to know about mock orange meaning and symbolism in the language of flowers.

Mock Orange Symbolism – Key Takeaways

Mock orange flowers symbolize deceit in the Victorian flower language (floriography). The genus name Philadelphus translates to brotherly love or sibling love, which is also a commonly accepted symbolic meaning of mock orange flowers.

Etymological Meaning

The genus name, Philadelphus, is a Latinized version of the Greek word that means brotherly love or sibling love. The common name, mock orange, is thought to have come from the blossom’s close resemblance in looks and fragrance to the flowers of orange trees.

Mock Orange Flower Colors and Their Meaning

Mock orange flowers only blossom in shades of white ranging slightly from creamy to snowy. They have fuzzy centers of bright yellow stamens. Some varieties of mock orange flowers also feature slight light pink or lavender markings toward the inner bases of the flower petals. 

While different types of flowers have symbolic meanings, each color also has its own traditional symbolic meaning in the language of flowers.

• White – White flowers symbolize purity, innocence, and sympathy.
• Yellow – Yellow flowers symbolize happiness, positivity, optimism, friendship, and loyalty.
• Pink – Pink flowers symbolize gentleness, admiration, affection, and femininity.
• Lavender – Lavender or light-purple flowers symbolize calmness, silence, grace, devotion, and serenity.

Mock Orange in the Victorian Language of Flowers

In the Victorian language of flowers (floriography), mock orange symbolizes deceit. This is perhaps due to its fragrance, which might lead one to believe a blossoming orange tree is nearby.

The Greek Roots of Philadelphus

The genus of flowers is said to have been named after Ptolemy II Philadelphus, who was a Greek king ruling over ancient Egypt.

Use in Wedding Bouquets

Mock orange has a history of use in bridal bouquets for weddings. To understand why, you first need to understand the symbolic meaning of orange blossoms.

Orange blossoms from citrus trees have a long history of symbolizing purity, virtue, and fertility. These symbolic meanings are all appropriate for a wedding – and these flowers have been used in marital celebrations worldwide for centuries.

However, in England, before a global flower trade made true orange blossoms widely available, mock orange was commonly used as a more abundant, locally grown replacement. Its similar appearance to orange blossoms and equally similar fragrance made it a sneaky way to include “orange blossoms” in a bridal bouquet.

Perhaps this use is one of the reasons why mock orange was associated with deceit in the Victorian flower language.

Philadelphus in American History

While several species of mock orange grow natively across North America and Central America, one species, in particular, has a special place in the history of the United States. This is the Philadelphus lewisii, which is commonly called Lewis’ mock orange. This common name was given to this species in reference to its appearance in a journal of Meriwether Lewis. Recorded in 1806, near the end of the Lewis and Clark Expedition across the United States, this was the first time the plant had been collected for scientific purposes.

Idaho’s State Flower

Thanks to its noteworthy place in American history and presence in the state, Idaho named the Philadelphus lewisii as its symbolic state flower. Idaho refers to this mock orange species with another of its common names, syringa. This common name actually refers to the wood of the plant’s similarities to that of lilac shrubs.

Mock Orange in Art and Literature

Mock orange appears predominantly on a floral trading card housed at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The card depicting mock orange is just one of 50 from a series issued in 1890 by Goodwin & Company as a promotion for Old Judge Cigarettes.

In a poem titled Mock Orange, Louise Glück uses the flower to symbolize the general disappointment she has experienced in life.

Suitable Gifting Occasions

Although there are no official gifting occasions assigned to mock orange flowers, such as an official birth month, there are countless occasions when a bouquet of mock orange or even a live mock orange shrub could make a wonderful gift.

The cut flowers are lovely in bouquets on their own, thanks to their delicious fragrance and elegant looks. They’re also a traditional flower to include in bridal bouquets. Additionally, mock orange plants can be gifted in sympathy or celebration. Consider them for remembrance at funerals or celebrations of new births or new homes.

Mock Orange FAQs:

Mock Orange Symbolism – The Final Word

Mock orange plants are lovely shrubs that make wonderful additions to gardens in various climates. These symbolic and meaningful flowers are beautiful and delicious to smell, and their leaves put on a show from spring through the end of autumn.

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