Choisya spp.
Mexican orange blossom
Mexico and southwestern United States
Overview
Choisya spp. is a genus of about six evergreen shrubs in the citrus family, Rutaceae, native to Mexico and the southwestern United States. Commonly called Mexican orange blossom, plants form rounded, densely branched shrubs 3-8 feet (0.9-2.4 m) tall and wide, clothed in glossy, aromatic, palmately divided leaves that release a pungent scent when crushed. The leaflets number three in C. ternata and are narrower and more numerous in C. dumosa and C. arizonica. From mid-spring, and often again in late summer, clusters of white, star-shaped flowers about 1 inch (2.5 cm) across open at the branch tips, scented of orange blossom. The citrus-scented foliage and fragrant white flowers reflect the genus's place in the citrus family. Plants grow naturally on rocky slopes and in oak and pine woodland in upland Mexico. C. ternata and the hybrid C. x dewitteana are grown in temperate gardens. One limitation is cold and wind sensitivity: foliage scorches in hard frost and cold, dry wind, and waterlogged soil causes root rot. Most are hardy in zones 7-10 and grow in sun or part shade.
Native Range
Choisya spp. is native to Mexico and the southwestern United States, growing on rocky slopes, canyon sides, and in oak and pine woodland in upland regions. C. arizonica extends into Arizona and New Mexico.Suggested Uses
Used as an evergreen hedge, foundation shrub, or informal screen, and in mixed borders for year-round foliage. The aromatic leaves and scented flowers suit plantings near paths and entrances. Golden-leaved forms are grown for foliage contrast in part shade.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height3' - 8'
Width/Spread3' - 8'
Bloom Information
The main flush of bloom comes in mid- to late spring, roughly April to May, with many plants producing a lighter second flush in late summer or autumn. Flowers open over several weeks at the branch tips. C. ternata and its hybrids tend to repeat-bloom more than the narrow-leaved species.
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
glossy dark greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 4-10 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Grow Choisya spp. in full sun to part shade in fertile, freely draining soil; shelter from cold, drying wind reduces winter leaf scorch. The genus tolerates a range of soils but fails in waterlogged ground, where the roots rot. Water during dry spells until established, after which plants withstand moderate drought. Full sun encourages the heaviest flowering, while light shade suits the golden-leaved cultivars, whose foliage can bleach in strong sun. Little feeding is needed beyond an annual mulch. Plants recover from cold damage by reshooting from older wood.Pruning
Prune lightly after the main spring flowering to shape the shrub and encourage a second flush; cutting just above a leaf node keeps growth dense. Old or frost-damaged shrubs can be cut back hard into older wood, from which they resprout. Removing a portion of the oldest stems each year renews crowded plants.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
late springsummer
Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 5 gallons