Mexican Orange Blossom
Widely grown in Australia, and mainly for the wonderful flowers over summer, Choisya ternata or Mexican Orange Blossom are a fast-growing evergreen shrub to two metres available to buy from most retail nurseries.
The best known Choisya being the “Mexican Orange Blossom”, and its popularity comes form its flowers, foliage and easy care nature once established.
Choisya ternata ‘Sundance’ has glossy yellow foliage, Choisya ‘Aztec Pearl’ has fine foliage and white flowers and is regarded as one of the best varieties.
All are used as filler plants in the border, as well as low growing hedging plants. Growth rate is medium to fast at around 50cm a year.
Choisya ternata Care
Choisya are a reasonably hardy plant with fragrant flowers. Shelter from drying winds, keep well mulched and prune back to maintain shape. For a little variety in foliage colour, try “Choisya ternata sundance” the yellow leafed form.
With glossy foliage all year round and fragrant flowers throughout spring Mexican Orange Blossom (Choysia ternata’) makes a great hedging plant or a specimen in the garden border. Full sun to semi shade is best.
Plants will spread to 2m wide however spacing for a hedge should be 40cm – 50cm. If growing Mexican Orange Blossom (Choysia ternata’ as a hedge try to maintain a height of 1m for best results)
Plants can be pruned after flowering to promote a bushy habit.
Choisya ternata Summary Description
- Botanical Name -Choisya ternata
- Common Name -Mexican Orange Blossom
- Family Rutaceae
- Origin Mexico
- Position – Full sun to part shade.
- Soil – Well drained humus rich to sandy soils.
- Height – T0 around 1.2m
- Spread – To around 3m
- Flowers – White
- Flowering Time – Spring through summer
- Flower fragrance – Strong sweet fragrance
- Foliage – Evergreen, glossy, mid green and aromatic
- Drought tolerant – Yes
- Frost tolerant – Moderate frosts only.
Problems
- Leaves Turing Brown – Lack of water in summer.
- Leaves turning yellow – Usually overwatering or poor drainage.
- How do you rejuvenate/renew Choosy tenata?
Older plants can respond well to hard pruning, usually in early spring.
Available for sale from the following nurseries
Online and Retail Melbourne and Geelong based garden centres. Check out their large range of indoor and outdoor plants, Australian Natives, Fruit Trees and Edibles, Succulents, Gardenias, Camellias, Hydrangeas plus a full range garden products for delivery in Melbourne.
www.diacos.com.au
55 McDougal Rd Neerim South Victoria 3831 PH: (03) 56281507
Advanced ornamental trees and garden designs and concept plans. Direct to your property combined with specialist knowledge and outstanding service.
www.blericktreefarm.com.au
52 Rodd St Canowindra NSW 2804
An online nursery specialising in drought and frost tolerant perennials and fragrant, edible and herbs.
www.perennialle.com.au
862 Midland Highway Mount Rowan Vic 3352
We offer over 245 varieties of Fuchsia, tubestock, pots, baskets and standards. Mail order specialists. Open 7 days by appointment.
www.brenlissaonlinenursery.com.au