Plant Guide

choisya-ternata

Choisya ternata

Mexican orange blossom, Mexican orange

Rounded, evergreen shrub native to southern USA and Mexico. Glossy leaves palmately divided into three leaflets, 5-8 cm long, covered with oilglands, aromatic when crushed.  Clusters of small, star-shaped, scented, pure white flowers, 1-2 cm across, similar to orange blossoms in shape and fragrance. Main flowering season is spring, but flowers intermittently during the rest of the year.

Choisya ternata prefers a sheltered position in full sun, but copes with full shade. In very hot climates a position in partial shade whithout afternoon sun is best. Will grow in a range of soils, including sandy or loamy, and acidic or neutral. Drought tolerant once established. 

Lightly prune after flowering.

 

Type of plant

Shrub - Evergreen

Size

1.5-3 m tall

Landscape Use

flower display, fragrance, informal hedge, filler, topiary, coastal gardens

Specifications

  • Temperature: Hardy
  • Light: Low Medium High
  • Moisture: Low Medium
  • Soil: Light Medium Heavy
  • Wind tolerance: Low Average
  • Coastal tolerance: High