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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;

  • Tabernaemontana corymbosa 'Sweet Love' - Crepe Gardenia
  • Atractocarpus fitzalanii (Syn. Randia fitzalanii) - Native Gardenia
  • Eugenia reinwardtiana - Cedar Bay Cherry

Ask your local retailer for more superior selections

 

Alternative Plants

Lilly Pillies
Photo: Macbird Floraprint
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.

Native Mock Orange
Photo: Glenn Leiper
Alternative Plant Native Mock Orange
Murraya ovatifoliolata
Trees and Shrubs
 

This Australian native grows to a height of 1-1.5m. Naturally occurring in the drier rainforests of northern Queensland, it has attractive 'quilted' oval foliage and is slower growing than the exotic Murraya paniculata. Although this selection can be a little more difficult to find, for those who wish to use a native alternative it is well worth trying.

 
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