1 / 2
Choisya 'Aztec Pearl'
Mexican Orange Blossom
Hybrid cultivar; parent species from Mexico and SW United StatesLearn more
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
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height4' - 6'
Width/Spread4' - 6'
Reaches mature size in approximately 5 years
Colors
Flower Colors
Foliage Colors
Bloom Information
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
Foliage Description
dark glossy greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
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
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
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
springfall
Maintenance Level
lowContainer Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 15 gallons