Broadleaf Evergreen Shrubs

Choisya 'Aztec Pearl'

Mexican Orange Blossom

Rutaceae

Hybrid cultivar; parent species from Mexico and SW United States

At a Glance

TypeShrub
HabitMounding
FoliageEvergreen
Height4-6 feet (1.2-1.8 m)
Width4-6 feet (1.2-1.8 m)
Maturity5 years

Growing Zones

USDA Hardiness Zones

7 - 10
Zone 7
Zone 8
Zone 9
Zone 10
These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.
Frost Tolerancehardy

Key Features

Attracts Pollinators
Attracts Butterflies
Drought Tolerant
Fragrant (strong)
Container Friendly
Maintenancelow

Overview

A rounded evergreen shrub reaching 4–6 feet (1.2–1.8 m) tall and wide. Leaves are palmately compound with 3–5 narrow linear leaflets, each 2–3 inches (5–8 cm) long and 0.2–0.4 inch (5–10 mm) wide, dark glossy green with a strong citrus scent when crushed. This distinguishes 'Aztec Pearl' from Choisya ternata, which has broader leaflets 1–2 inches (2.5–5 cm) wide and a coarser texture. New growth emerges with a bronze tint before maturing to dark green. White flowers are produced in clusters of 3–6 at branch tips in April–May and again in August–September; individual flowers are 1–1.5 inches (2.5–4 cm) across with 4–5 petals and a sweet fragrance. The plant forms a dense, rounded mound with multiple stems from the base and requires no training to maintain form. In zones 7b and colder, foliage may be damaged below 15°F (−9°C) but plants typically recover from the base in spring.

Native Range

Choisya 'Aztec Pearl' is a hybrid cultivar developed by crossing Choisya arizonica with Choisya ternata. The parent species originate from the Sierra Madre Occidental of northwestern Mexico and the southwestern United States (C. arizonica) and the mountain ranges of central and southern Mexico (C. ternata). The cultivar has no natural range and was raised in cultivation in the United Kingdom.

Suggested Uses

Planted as a specimen or in groups of 3–5 at 4–5 foot (1.2–1.5 m) spacing in mixed shrub borders. Suitable as an informal hedge at 3–4 foot (0.9–1.2 m) spacing. Grows in large containers of 15 gallons (57 L) or more where winters are mild. The fine-textured foliage contrasts with coarser-leaved companions such as Viburnum davidii or Mahonia.

How to Identify

Distinguished from Choisya ternata by its markedly narrower leaflets — 0.2–0.4 inch (5–10 mm) wide versus 1–2 inches (2.5–5 cm) wide — giving the foliage a finer, more feathery texture. Leaves are palmately compound with 3–5 leaflets radiating from the petiole tip; leaflets linear-lanceolate with entire margins. Foliage emits a strong citrus scent when crushed. White flowers 1–1.5 inches (2.5–4 cm) across appear in clusters at branch tips in both spring (April–May) and late summer/fall (August–September). The overall plant habit is a dense rounded mound, 4–6 feet (1.2–1.8 m) in both height and width.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height4' - 6'
Width/Spread4' - 6'

Reaches mature size in approximately 5 years

Colors

Flower Colors

white

Foliage Colors

dark green

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~5 weeks
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SpringFall
Flowers in two flushes: April through May (primary flush) and August through September (secondary flush). The spring flowering is more abundant; the late summer flush is typically lighter but reliable. Individual flower clusters persist for 2–3 weeks. In coastal zones 8–9, the spring flush may begin in late March. Cold or overcast summers can reduce the intensity of the late summer flush.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

white

Foliage Description

dark glossy green

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Full Sun
Partial Shade
Requires 4-8 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

Soil Requirements

pH Range6.0 - 7.5(Neutral)
357912
Soil Types
loamsand
Drainage
well drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Low

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

3-5 years

Drought Tolerance

Drought tolerant when established

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Water regularly during the first growing season; established plants tolerate moderate drought but perform best with occasional summer irrigation every 2–3 weeks in dry climates. Waterlogged soil causes root rot — ensure good drainage. Foliage may scorch in prolonged periods below 20°F (−7°C); damaged growth should be removed in spring once new growth confirms plant survival. No routine fertilization needed in average soils; in poor soils a light application of balanced fertilizer in early spring is sufficient. Spider mites may appear in hot, dry conditions; overhead watering reduces infestations. Aphids occasionally affect new growth in spring.

Pruning

Prune lightly after the spring flush (late May–June) to shape and encourage branching; remove up to one-third of stem length on individual branches but avoid cutting into bare old wood. A second light tidy after the fall flush in October is optional. Do not hard prune — the plant does not reliably regenerate from old leafless stems. Remove frost-damaged growth in mid-spring once new growth confirms extent of damage.

Pruning Schedule

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springfall

Maintenance Level

low

Container Growing

✓ Suitable for container growing

Minimum container size: 15 gallons

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Toxic to pets