Species Mexican orange
white flowers with white filaments and red-orange anthers, white-green buds, dark-green leaves and lime-green stems

Mexican orange

Choisya ternata

Mexican orange is a species of evergreen shrub and an absolute must-have for any garden. It's an incredibly attractive plant with gorgeous glossy, bright green leaves, set against lightly fragrant, sweetly scented white flowers. Its natural shape and striking foliage make it a great option for a foundation plant or an accent piece in an otherwise monotonous garden. It thrives in sunny areas and only requires moderate amounts of water, making it a low-maintenance option for gardeners of all abilities. This is a stunning species that's sure to draw admirers.

Cycle:

Perennial

Watering:

Average

Propagation:

Seed Propagation,Greenwood Cuttings,Greenwood Cuttings,Hardwood Cuttings

Hardiness Zone:

7 - 10

Flowers:

White Flowers In Spring

Sun:

Part sun/part shade

Soil:

Acidic, Well-drained

Fruits:

yellow,orange Fruits In Autumn Ready In Fall

Edible:

Yes

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green

Growth Rate:

Low

Maintenance:

Moderate

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Thorny:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

It is important to water Mexican orange (Choisya ternata) plants regularly and deeply throughout the growing season. Watering should be done at intervals of approximately 1-2 times a week, although this may vary depending on the climate. In hotter areas, you may need to water more frequently while colder climates may need less water. When watering, it is important to make sure the entire root system is soaked thoroughly. To test soil moisture, poke your finger down about an inch into the soil. If the soil is dry, it is time to water. Water should be applied until it runs out of the drainage holes in the bottom of the pot or container.

sunlight

Mexican orange is a plant species that prefers full sun to partial shade exposure and should receive at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight per day. For optimal results, the plant should receive full sun in the morning and partial shade in the afternoon. Mexican orange blooms from spring to summer, but the more sun it receives, the more flowers it can produce for a longer duration. Therefore, when conditions are favorable, Mexican orange should receive full sun from around 10am to 4pm. The total daily exposure should be 8-10 hours, depending on the plant’s location.

pruning

Pruning your Mexican orange shrub (Choisya ternata) is important for keeping it looking its best and promoting healthy growth. Pruning should be done twice a year, once in early spring (March) and again at the end of summer (August/September). The early spring pruning is the most important, as it helps shape the shrub’s growth and stimulates new flowering shoots. Cut away any dead or damaged buds and branches, and cut back any new shoots to control the shape and keep it looking neat and tidy. The summer pruning is mainly for tidying, as it’s best not to cut too much back as there’s still plenty of growth coming. Be careful not to over prune, the shrub’s health will suffer if you remove too much of the foliage.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Starts Flowering

Choisya ternata typically starts flowering in April.

Harvest Fruit

blossom The best time to start harvesting the fruits from Choisya ternata is in July and August.

Hardiness Map