Choisya - Mexican Orange Flower

(Choi'sya)

DESCRIPTION: This group consists of seven tender, evergreen shrubs native to Mexico and the southwestern U.S. C. ternata (Mexican Orange Flower) is a round, medium-sized shrub that will grow 5 to 10 feet high. It has glossy, dark green leaves usually consisting of three leaflets, sometimes two or four. The leaflets grow 1½ to 3 inches long and ½ to 1 inch wide. When they are crushed they release a strong, pungent odor. From early spring to late summer and often again in the fall, white, fragrant flowers, which are similar in appearance to the Orange blossom, are produced in clusters of up to six. C. ternata var. Sundance is a medium-sized shrub, whose new leaves are brilliant yellow. C. Aztec Pearl is a hybrid derived from crossing C. arizonica and C. ternata. It forms a small shrub with fragrant, bright green leaves consisting of 3 to 5, slender, leaflets. The flowers are almond-scented and resemble those of C. ternata, but larger and having pink tinged buds, which open to white flowers that are stained pink on the backs. The blossoms are borne in late spring and again in summer.

POTTING: Choisya can be planted outdoors in mild climates, in any well-drained, friable soil, in sun or shade. In unsuitable climates, they can easily be cultivated in large pots or tubs in a cool greenhouse. The best soil to use should be light loam that is fertile and well drained. Spring is the best time to prune. Long branches may be shortened if they are outgrowing their boundaries and very old branches may be cut to the ground. These shrubs will bounce back quickly after being pruned hard.

PROPAGATION: Cuttings can be made from side shoots, 3-4 inches long, any time from June to October. The cuttings taken in summer will root better if placed under a bell jar outside.

VARIETIES: C. Aztec Pearl; C. ternata & var. Sundance.

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