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Mock Orange

Mock Orange
Photo: Sheldon Navie
Invasive Plant
Mock Orange
Murraya paniculata (seedling grown form)
 

This compact rounded shrub with glossy green foliage grows to a height of 3-5m. The plant produces highly perfumed white flowers in terminal clusters in Spring, through to Autumn. The flowers are followed by small oval bright orange red berries which are highly attractive to birds.

This very popular garden plant has several forms. The seedling grown form, popular in the 1970's, is to be avoided as it is invasive. Gardens in older suburbs are likely to have this undesirable form and removal is recommended.

 

HOW IT SPREADS

  • The orange-red berries are highly desirable to birds whose droppings ensure this plant is widespread in bushland. Large colonies and thickets are created smothering natural vegetation and affecting ecosystems.
  • Do not purchase Murraya from non-reputable suppliers as they are likely to be seedling grown forms.
 
 
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Other superior selections include;

  • Camellia sasanqua - Sasanqua Camellia
  • Xylosma senticosa - Dense Logwood

Ask your local retailer for more superior selections

 

Alternative Plants

Lemon Scented Myrtle
Photo: immij floramedia
Alternative Plant Lemon Scented Myrtle
Backhousia citriodora
Trees and Shrubs
 

Medium sized tree to 12m with grey green foliage to 10cm in length. A key feature is crushed leaves are strongly lemon scented. A profusion of white-cream flowers appear in summer. An underused Australian native rainforest tree.

Lilly Pillies
Photo: immij floramedia
Alternative Plant Lilly Pillies
Syzygium australe cultivars
Trees and Shrubs
 

This superb Australian native rainforest plant has glossy green foliage, a profusion of fluffy white flowers and small colourful berries. There are many different cultivars of this plant with a wide range of growth habits, foliage types and berry colours. Many make highly desirable hedges and screens. 'Elite', 'Bush Christmas' and 'Hinterland Gold' are three of many suitable selections.

Mock Orange
Photo: © immij pty ltd
Alternative Plant Mock Orange
Murraya paniculata (cutting grown form)
Trees and Shrubs
 

Professional nursery growers and retailers now promote the use of a superior cutting grown selection which produces little or no berries. The growth habit is more naturally compact than the inferior and invasive seedling form. Ask your professional retailer for this cutting grown cultivar.

 
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