Plant Focus: Choisya
Reliable structure and seasonal interest for a variety of planting schemes
Choisya, commonly known as Mexican orange blossom, is a genus of evergreen shrubs native to Mexico and the southwestern United States. It belongs to the Rutaceae family, which also includes citrus plants such as lemon trees, lime trees and orange trees. The genus was named in honour of Swiss botanist Jacques Denis Choisy, for his services to horticulture, despite him not actually discovering the plant. Choisya has become widely appreciated in the UK since its introduction in 1825. Its fragrant foliage, white star-shaped flowers, and dense, rounded habit make it a popular choice in planting schemes.
The genus only contains a few species, but they are widely used due to their adaptability and resilience. Choisya plants are known for their ability to thrive in a variety of conditions, from full sun to partial shade, and can withstand moderate frost. This, combined with their striking appearance, makes them a versatile option for a wide range of landscaping applications, from hedges to feature shrubs.
Choisya varieties are often compact, evergreen shrubs with a bushy habit, typically growing between 1m to 2.5m in height. The most distinctive feature is their glossy, aromatic foliage, which releases a citrus-like scent when the leaves are crushed. The leaves are usually divided into narrow, finger-like segments, contributing to the plant’s finely textured look. These shrubs bloom in late spring with star-shaped white flowers. The flowers can sometimes even re-appear in autumn, making it ideal for adding year-round colour to a garden. The flowers not only add visual interest but also attract bees and other pollinators, making Choisya a great plant to boost biodiversity.
The dense, rounded habit of Choisya makes it perfect for creating structure in a garden. Whether used as a hedge, a backdrop plant, or as part of a mixed planting, its ability to maintain a neat and tidy shape throughout the year means it requires minimal maintenance. These plants are also appreciated for their ability to retain their colour and form even during the colder months.
Key Characteristics:
✓ Evergreen shrub
✓ Aromatic, glossy foliage
✓ Star-shaped white flowers
✓ Typically grows 1–2.5m tall and wide
✓ Thrives in full sun or partial shade
✓ Tolerates a range of soil types, if well-drained
✓ Low maintenance and drought-tolerant once established
✓ Flowers mainly in spring, with a possible second flush in autumn
✓ Attracts bees and other pollinators
Did you know?
Choisya can sometimes bloom up to three times a year, and is extremely popular for pollinators such as bees and butterflies, providing year-round interest for wildlife and people alike.
Popular Choisya varieties we grow and sell:
Choisya ternata ‘Sundance’
Choisya ternata
The original species introduced, and the most popular, Choisya ternata forms a dense, rounded shrub with bright green, glossy leaves. It grows to about 2 to 2.5 metres in height and spread, making it a reliable backdrop or structural plant. Its star-shaped white flowers appear in clusters in late spring, often followed by a second flush in early autumn. The foliage, when crushed, releases a pleasant citrus scent, adding an extra sensory dimension. This variety is valued for its resilience, low maintenance, and ability to thrive in sun or partial shade.
Choisya ternata ‘Sundance’
Known for its eye-catching golden-yellow foliage, ‘Sundance’ is ideal for bringing colour into darker corners of a planting scheme. It grows slightly smaller than other varieties, reaching around 1.5 to 2 metres in height and spread. In late spring, it produces white flowers that provide contrast against the yellow leaves. Often used in mixed borders or as a feature shrub.
Choisya × dewitteana ‘Aztec Pearl’
Has a more delicate appearance, with fine, narrow, dark green leaves that give the shrub a light, airy texture. It grows to around 1.5m to 2m and tends to be slightly more compact than other varieties. The pink-tinged flower buds open into fragrant white blooms in late spring, sometimes appearing again in autumn. Well suited to modern planting schemes or where a finer texture is desired.
Choisya × dewitteana ‘Aztec Pearl’
Choisya × dewitteana ‘White Dazzler’
A compact and neat-growing variety, ‘White Dazzler’ is a great choice for smaller gardens or tighter spaces. It has narrow, glossy dark green leaves and a tidy, bushy shape, reaching about 1 metre in height and spread. In spring, it produces an abundance of starry white flowers with a strong citrus scent, often followed by further blooms in late summer or early autumn. Its compact nature makes it ideal for edging, containers, or as a low-maintenance shrub in urban schemes.
Choisya × dewitteana ‘Goldfingers’
Prized for its slender, bright golden-yellow foliage, which maintains colour throughout the year, especially in sunny locations. Remains quite compact, usually reaching around 1.2m in height and width. It produces fragrant white flowers in spring, although it is grown primarily for its foliage. It provides a brilliant splash of colour in mixed borders or mass plantings and looks particularly effective when paired with plants that have darker foliage.
Choisya × dewitteana ‘White Dazzler’
Choisya × dewitteana ‘Goldfingers’
How to Grow and Care for Choisya:
Choisya plants are relatively easy to grow and care for, making them a great choice for both experienced and novice gardeners. They prefer well-drained, slightly alkaline to neutral soil, though they can adapt to a range of soil types. It’s important to ensure the soil does not become waterlogged, as Choisya is susceptible to root rot in such conditions. Full sun is ideal for most varieties, particularly for those like ‘Sundance’, where the bright foliage truly shines. Choisya can tolerate partial shade, however, which makes it a versatile option for most locations.
When planting Choisya, make sure to space them adequately to allow for proper air circulation and room for growth. This is particularly important when planting them as part of a hedge or in groups, as it helps prevent fungal diseases. Water regularly during the establishment period but be mindful not to overwater, as Choisya is drought-tolerant once mature. During the growing season, they require minimal care, although occasional pruning after flowering encourages a bushy habit and may even trigger a second flowering period.
Choisya plants are hardy in most parts of the UK, typically falling under the RHS hardiness rating H4 or H5, meaning they can withstand moderate frosts. They are generally low-maintenance, with light pruning needed to remove any damaged or dead wood in late winter or early spring.
Pests and diseases that affect this species:
Although Choisya is a resilient plant, there are a few pests and diseases that can occasionally cause issues. Leaf spot, caused by either fungal or bacterial infections, can appear as small brown or black marks on the foliage. To manage leaf spot, ensure proper air circulation around the plant and avoid watering the leaves directly. Root rot is another concern, typically resulting from poor drainage or waterlogged soil. This can be prevented by planting in well-draining soil and avoiding overwatering.
Snails and slugs may also pose a problem, especially during wet weather, nibbling on the soft new shoots. While not usually a major issue, it’s worth monitoring and using natural deterrents such as copper tape or organic slug pellets if necessary. Overall, Choisya is not prone to many pests or diseases, and with the right planting conditions and care, these problems are easily avoided.
To learn more about the different types of Choisya that we grow and sell, speak to the G Team today.