Choisya ternata 'Sundance', Golden Mexican Orange Blossom
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Broadleaf Evergreen Shrubs

Choisya ternata 'Sundance'

Golden Mexican Orange Blossom

Rutaceae

Hybrid cultivar; parent species Choisya ternata native to mountain Mexico (Veracruz, Puebla, Oaxaca)

At a Glance

TypeShrub
HabitMounding
FoliageEvergreen
Height4-6 feet (1.2-1.8 m)
Width4-6 feet (1.2-1.8 m)
Maturity4 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
Deer Resistant
Drought Tolerant
Fragrant (strong)
Container Friendly
Maintenancelow

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

Identified by the trifoliate leaves — three broad elliptical leaflets 2–3 inches (5–8 cm) long per leaf — in golden-yellow to chartreuse coloration rather than the dark green of the species. New growth is most intensely yellow; older leaves are chartreuse-green. All plant parts emit a citrus scent when crushed. Distinguished from Choisya Aztec Pearl by the broader leaflets (1–2 inches / 2.5–5 cm wide vs. 0.2–0.4 inch / 5–10 mm wide in Aztec Pearl) and the consistent trifoliate arrangement (always 3 leaflets vs. 3–5 in Aztec Pearl). White 5-petaled flowers 0.75–1 inch (2–2.5 cm) across appear at branch tips in spring and occasionally in fall.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

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

Reaches mature size in approximately 4 years

Colors

Flower Colors

white

Foliage Colors

gold
chartreuse
yellow

Fall Foliage Colors

no change

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~4 weeks
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SpringFall
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

Flower Description

white

Foliage Description

golden-yellow to chartreuse; most intense on new growth, shifting to chartreuse-green with age; slight bronze tints in cool weather

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

Medium

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

3-5 years

Drought Tolerance

Drought tolerant when established

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

low

Container Growing

✓ Suitable for container growing

Minimum container size: 10 gallons

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Toxic to pets

Planting Guide

Planting Methods & Timing

Planting Method

transplant