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Choisya ternata 'Sundance'
Golden Mexican Orange Blossom
Hybrid cultivar; parent species Choisya ternata native to mountain Mexico (Veracruz, Puebla, Oaxaca)Learn more
Overview
A rounded evergreen shrub reaching 4–6 feet (1.2–1.8 m) tall and wide. This cultivar of Choisya ternata is distinguished from the species by its golden-yellow to chartreuse foliage rather than the species dark green leaves. Each leaf consists of three elliptical leaflets 2–3 inches (5–8 cm) long in a trifoliate arrangement, with smooth entire margins and a glossy leathery texture. This distinguishes it from Choisya Aztec Pearl, which has 3–5 much narrower linear leaflets. New growth emerges with the most intense golden-yellow coloration, sometimes showing bronze tints in cool weather, maturing to chartreuse-green as leaves age. Foliage color is brightest in full sun (6+ hours daily) and shifts toward chartreuse-green in partial shade. White flowers 0.75–1 inch (2–2.5 cm) across with five petals and yellow stamens appear in clusters at branch tips in April–May and sporadically in September–October. All parts of the plant emit a citrus scent when crushed. The plant forms a dense rounded mound without requiring pruning to maintain shape.
Native Range
Choisya ternata, the species from which Sundance was selected, is native to mountain regions of Mexico, primarily in Veracruz, Puebla, and Oaxaca, growing as an understory shrub in pine-oak forests and cloud forest margins at 5,000–8,000 feet (1,500–2,400 m) elevation. The cultivar Sundance does not occur in the wild; it was selected in cultivation.Suggested Uses
Planted as a specimen or foliage accent in mixed shrub borders where the golden coloring provides year-round contrast against dark green plants. Effective massed at 4–5 foot (1.2–1.5 m) spacing or used as an informal hedge. The foliage color contrasts with purple-leaved shrubs such as Cotinus coggygria, dark-green Buxus, or blue-grey conifers. Suitable for large containers of 10 gallons (38 L) or more in mild climates. In foundation plantings, position 3–4 feet (0.9–1.2 m) from walls to allow for mature spread.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height4' - 6'
Width/Spread4' - 6'
Reaches mature size in approximately 4 years
Colors
Bloom Information
Flowers April through May, with peak bloom lasting 3–4 weeks. A secondary flush occurs in September–October in some years, producing roughly half the flower density of the spring bloom. In zones 8–9 with mild springs, flowering may begin in late March. Individual flower clusters persist for 2–3 weeks. Heat above 90°F (32°C) during bloom shortens flower longevity; cool overcast weather extends it.Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
golden-yellow to chartreuse; most intense on new growth, shifting to chartreuse-green with age; slight bronze tints in cool weatherGrowing 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
Plant in well-drained soil; plants in heavy clay or areas with winter standing water develop root rot. Water regularly during the first two growing seasons; once established, tolerates dry periods of 2–3 weeks but performs better with occasional deep watering during extended summer drought. In zones 9–10, provide consistent summer moisture to maintain foliage color and encourage fall rebloom. No fertilization is typically needed; excess nitrogen promotes soft growth at the expense of foliage color intensity. Protect from desiccating winter winds in zones 7a–7b, where foliage may scorch below 15°F (−9°C); plants usually recover from the base. Sap may cause mild skin irritation in sensitive individuals during pruning — wear gloves.Pruning
Prune lightly immediately after the spring flowering flush in late May or early June to shape and control size; this timing preserves the potential for fall rebloom. Remove no more than one-third of the plant height or width per session, cutting just above a leaf node. Do not prune after July — this removes developing fall flower buds and stimulates new growth that may not harden off before winter in zone 7. No annual pruning is required if the plant has adequate space.Pruning Schedule
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spring
Maintenance Level
lowContainer Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 10 gallons
⚠️ Toxicity Warning
Toxic to petsPlanting Guide
Planting Methods & Timing
Planting Method
transplant