Choisya ternata Care Guide for New Zealand Gardens

Choisya ternata Care

Caring for Choisya ternata plants is about making sure the plants are thriving. Our plant care articles provide the necessary details to give you the greatest chance of success. Afterall, there is nothing worse than putting the effort into planting for them to fail. Therefore, follow our advice and give yourself the best chance of success!

How To Care For Choisya ternata

The most important part to Choisya ternata care starts with planting, and our article, How To Plant Choisya ternata, provides sound advice on how to do this properly. So, let’s now assume your plant is growing well and you want to keep it that way!

Winter is the perfect time for mulching your plants. Organic matter such as compost or sheep pellets should be spread liberally around the plants and then overlaid with mulch. The Plant Company has three very good options for mulch. The first is coco fibre matting which is made from the husks of coconuts. The second is Earth Mat which is made from recycled paper. Both of these break down to become part of the soil within two years. The third is black plastic matting which will last 20 years or more. Whichever mulch is used, The Plant Company recommend stones, bark chip, or other similar products be spread over top for aesthetic purposes. The Plant Company does not recommend adding fertiliser during winter as this is better applied in spring so less is wasted. However, adding organic matter such as compost is quite okay.

Spring is the perfect time for fertilising the plants as they start to bounce into life. The Plant Company has fertilisers which have been specially blended for different plants and in this instance, our shrub fertiliser will give them the correct boost and keep them fed for 12-months. A suitable alternative is our organic fertiliser which will also keep them well fed but they will require a secondary application in autumn.

Summer is when the plants need regular watering and this should be undertaken every second day on the hottest days. Plants that are establishing need particular attention as their root system will not have penetrated deep enough to secure consistent moisture yet.

Caring for Choisya ternata in autumn is about keeping the plants healthy. Foliar feeding using a liquid fertiliser can be undertaken during spring, summer, and autumn if you have time but this is not essential if solid fertiliser and/or good amounts of organic matter have already been applied. If you think the plants need an extra boost or have some yellowing, however, a liquid fertiliser won’t hurt.

Finally, the plants should be checked for pest or disease issues during spring, summer, and autumn.

Why Are My Choisya ternata Leaves Turning Yellow?

There are a few possible reasons why your Choisya ternata leaves might be turning yellow:

• Overwatering is often the most common issue. Choisya ternata prefer well-draining soil and don't like their roots being constantly wet.
• A lack of nutrients, especially iron, can cause the leaves to yellow. A foliar fertiliser can correct issues quickly and should be supplemented with shrub fertiliser.
• If you recently experienced a frost, the leaves might be suffering from the cold damage. Choisya ternata generally tolerate cooler climates, but severe frosts can damage the foliage.
• Pests or diseases: Less likely, but inspect for signs of pests like fungal diseases or scale insects that could be causing the issue.

Will Choisya Recover From Frost?

Whether a Choisya plant will recover from frost depends on the severity of the frost and the health of the plant before the frost occurred. Here’s what you can expect:

• If the frost is mild and only affects the leaves, Choisya will likely recover. The damaged leaves may turn brown and fall off, but new growth should emerge in spring.
• If the frost is moderate and damages the stems and branches, Choisya may still recover. However, it may take longer.
• If the frost is severe and kills the entire plant above the ground, Choisya is unlikely to recover.

Choisya ternata General Information

This series of articles answers many of the frequently asked questions about Choisya ternata, such as how big they grow, their hardiness, and more!

Are Choisya Leaves Edible?

Choisya leaves are not considered edible. While they have a strong citrusy smell, they contain a bitter oil called limonene and other potentially toxic compounds that can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and other gastrointestinal upset if ingested.

Can Choisya Be Shaped?

Choisya responds well to pruning and can be trained into various shapes. It is most commonly trimmed into a ball or as a topiary standard. The best time to prune Choisya is in late spring or early summer, after the main flush of flowering has finished.

Does Choisya Like Sun Or Shade?

Choisya prefer full sun for optimal growth and flowering, but it can also tolerate partial shade or dappled shade. The yellow-leaved varieties, however, should be grown in partial shade to reduce the chances of leaves being scorched.

Does Choisya Make A Good Hedge?

Choisya can make a great hedge and has several characteristics that make it ideal for this purpose:

• It has a dense, bushy growth habit, which helps to create a thick and private hedge.
• It is evergreen and will provide year-round interest and privacy.
• Many Choisya varieties have fragrant flowers, which can add a beautiful scent to your garden.
• Choisya requires relatively little maintenance.
• It responds well to pruning, allowing you to shape it into the desired form.
• Choisya can tolerate a range of soil types and light conditions, making it suitable for many gardens.

How Big Do Choisya Plants Get?

The size of Choisya plants can vary depending on the specific variety and growing conditions. In general, Choisya ternata (Mexican Orange Blossom) grows to 1.5-2.5 metres (5-8 feet) tall and the same wide. It grows 30-50 cm per year (12-20 inches). Choisya 'White Dazzler' grows to 1.5 m (5 feet) tall and wide with about 20-30 cm per year of growth. Choisya 'Sundance' and Choisya 'Aztec Pearl' also typically grow to 1.5 metres tall and wide. Factors such as the amount of shade the plants receive, the fertility and drainage of the soil, and how often they are watered will influence their growth rate.

Is Choisya The Same As Mock Orange?

Choisya, also known as Mexican Orange Blossom, is sometimes referred to as mock orange because its flowers are similar in shape and scent to orange blossoms. However, Choisya is not closely related to true mock oranges, which are members of the genus Philadelphus. Choisya is a genus of evergreen shrubs native to Mexico and Central America. It is known for its glossy, dark green leaves and clusters of fragrant white flowers in spring and summer. Choisya is a popular choice for hedges, borders, and foundation plantings.

True mock oranges are members of the genus Philadelphus and are native to Europe, Asia, and North America. They are also known for their fragrant white flowers, but they typically have a more upright growth habit than Choisya. While Choisya and mock orange are not closely related, they are both popular choices for ornamental plants due to their beautiful flowers and fragrant scent.

What Is A Good Substitute For Choisya?

Some good substitutes for Choisya include:

• Citrus trees such as lemons, oranges, and limes are a good substitute for Choisya because they have similar foliage and fragrant flowers.
• Other evergreen shrubs that make good substitutes for Choisya include Pittosporum, Viburnum, and Mahonia. These shrubs have similar foliage to Choisya and can be used to create hedges, borders, and screens.
• Some herbs, such as Rosemary, Lavender, and sage, can also be used as substitutes for Choisya.

Where Is Choisya Native To?

Choisya is native to southern North America, specifically:

• Mexico: It can be found throughout most of Mexico, from the mountains surrounding Veracruz in the east to the Baja California peninsula in the west.
• United States: It also grows naturally in the southwestern United States, including the states of Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, and California.

Which Choisya Is Best?

The best Choisya for you will depend on your climate, soil conditions, and personal preferences. However, some of the most popular and easy-to-grow Choisya plants include:

• Choisya ternata (Mexican Orange Blossom): This is the most common and well-known Choisya. It is a vigorous grower with glossy, dark green leaves and clusters of fragrant white flowers in spring and summer. It is tolerant of a variety of soil conditions and climates, but it prefers full sun or partial shade.
• Choisya 'Sundance': This is variety of Choisya has golden yellow leaves. It is a compact grower and is well-suited for small gardens. It is also tolerant of a variety of soil conditions and climates, but it prefers full sun or partial shade.
• Choisya 'Aztec Pearl': This is variety of Choisya has dissected, fern-like leaves. It is a compact grower and is well-suited for small gardens. It is also tolerant of a variety of soil conditions and climates, but it prefers full sun or partial shade.

Choisya ternata Varieties

Choosing a Choisya ternata variety that works for you can be challenging given the sheer number that are available. Working through the varieties, and so on, can take considerable time. The Plant Company’s series of short articles aims to offer concise and easy to follow advice and recommendations so you can determine the variety for your needs.

Choisya Gold Finger Information

Choisya 'Gold Finger', also known as Choisya x dewitteana Goldfingers, is a beautiful dwarf variety of the Mexican Orange Blossom shrub. It is favoured for its vibrant foliage and fragrant flowers. Some of its key features include:

• Bright, golden-yellow leaves with a fern-like texture.
• It produces clusters of small, white, sweetly scented flowers in spring and sometimes in autumn.
• This compact shrub typically grows to 1.1-1.5 m (3-4 feet) tall and wide.
• It prefers full sun to dappled shade conditions. In hot climates it may be better to grow it in a position with some afternoon shade to prevent scorching of the leaves.
• It thrives in well-drained, moist soil, with good levels of fertility.
• It needs regular watering, especially during hot weather, but be sure to avoid overwatering this plant.
• It may need protection from harsh frosts in cold climates.
• A light pruning after the first flush of flowers in early summer can help to encourage bushier growth and better flowering.

Overall, Choisya 'Gold Finger' is a versatile and attractive shrub that brings a touch of brightness and fragrance to a garden. Its compact size and low-maintenance requirements make it a popular choice for gardeners of all levels.

Choisya Sundance Information

Choisya ternata 'Sundance', also known as the Gold Mexican Orange Blossom, is a popular and attractive variety due to its vibrant foliage and fragrant flowers. Some of its key characteristics include:

• It features glossy, bright yellow leaves that mature to a darker green. When crushed, the leaves release a mild fragrance.
• It produces clusters of small, white, sweetly scented flowers in spring and sometimes also in autumn.
• This shrub typically grows to 1-1.2 metres (3.3-4 feet) tall and 1.5 metres (5 feet) wide.
• It prefers full sun to dappled shade conditions. In hot climates it may be better to grow it in a position with some afternoon shade to prevent scorching of the leaves.
• It thrives in well-drained, moist soil, with good levels of fertility.
• It needs regular watering, especially during hot weather, but be sure to avoid overwatering this plant.
• It may need protection from harsh frosts in cold climates.
• A light pruning after the first flush of flowers in early summer can help to encourage bushier growth and better flowering.

Choisya ternata 'Sundance' is ideal for smaller gardens, borders, or growing in a pot. The eye-catching foliage adds a year-round pop of colour which is only enhanced with the pretty flowers.

Choisya ternata Characteristics

Choisya ternata, commonly known as Mexican Orange Blossom, features glossy, dark green, evergreen foliage and elegant, white flowers. Some of its key characteristics include:

• Each leaf is composed of 3 to 13 leaflets and when crushed, they release a mild, citrus fragrance.
• Choisya ternata is known for its beautiful, fragrant, star-shaped white flowers in late spring to early summer.
• It grows with a compact and rounded shape to about 1.2-2.5 m (4-8 feet) tall and wide.
• Choisya ternata prefers a full sun to part shade position. In hot climates, a planting position with some afternoon shade might be beneficial to prevent scorching of the leaves.
• It thrives in well-drained, moist soil, with good levels of fertility.
• It needs regular watering, especially during hot weather, but be sure to avoid overwatering this plant. Once established, however, it will tolerate extended dry periods.
• It may need protection from harsh frosts in cold climates.
• A light pruning after the first flush of flowers in early summer can help to encourage bushier growth and better flowering.
• The dense and rounded growth habit makes Choisya ternata a great choice for creating hedges (both formal and informal) and for using in borders. The Plant Company often recommends it for modern, cottage, and pool gardens.

Overall, Choisya ternata is a versatile and attractive shrub that brings a touch of elegance to a garden. Its compact size and low-maintenance requirements make it a popular choice for gardeners of all levels.

Choisya x dewitteana Varieties

Choisya x dewitteana, also known as Mexican Orange Blossom, is a beautiful hybrid shrub prized for its fragrant white flowers and glossy green foliage. It's a popular choice for gardens due to its ease of care and attractive features. Some of the main varieties include:

• Choisya 'Aztec Pearl': A popular variety known for its compact size, abundant flowering, and glossy evergreen foliage.
• Choisya 'Gold Finger': A dwarf variety prized for its vibrant golden-yellow, finely divided leaves, and fragrant white flowers.
• Choisya 'Sundance': Another compact variety known for its glossy, bright yellow foliage that matures to dark green, and fragrant white flowers.
• Choisya 'White Dazzler': Another compact variety known for its glossy, bright yellow leaves that matures to dark green, and fragrant white flowers.

Is There A Dwarf Choisya?

There are several dwarf Choisya varieties available:

• Choisya 'Sundance': This golden-leaved variety reaches a height of 1.5 metres (5 feet) and a spread of 1 metre (3 feet). It has bright yellow foliage that retains its color well even in shade. It produces clusters of fragrant white flowers in spring and summer.
• Choisya 'Aztec Pearl': This variety grows to a height of 1.5 metres (5 feet) and a spread of 1.2 metres (4 feet). It has attractive, silver-grey foliage and produces clusters of fragrant white flowers in spring and summer.
• Choisya 'White Dazzler': This variety reaches a height and spread of 1.2 metres (4 feet). It has finely cut, dark green leaves and produces clusters of fragrant white flowers in spring and autumn. It is a good choice for a formal hedge.

What Is The Difference Between Choisya Aztec Pearl And Choisya ternata?

Choisya 'Aztec Pearl' is a cultivar of Choisya ternata, also known as Mexican Orange Blossom. It is a compact, evergreen shrub with finely divided, fern-like leaves and clusters of fragrant white flowers in spring and summer. Choisya ternata, on the other hand, has trifoliate leaves and can grow taller and wider than 'Aztec Pearl'.

How to Grow Choisya ternata

Planting Choisya ternata and getting it to grow well is generally easy when you get a few of the basics right. This involves planting them in the right soil type, choosing the most ideal planting position, and ensuring the plants have the essentials to thrive. The Plant Company has the right advice to give you the greatest chance of success when growing a Choisya ternata.

Choisya Shrub Pruning

The best time to prune Choisya ternata is usually after the first flush of flowers in early to mid-summer. A new flush of growth will result which can harden off before winter frosts. The Plant Company recommends pruning no more than one-third of the foliage from the plant when undertaking this procedure. While you can prune in the other seasons, this will come at the expense of flowers and can make the plant look somewhat ‘nude’ while it awaits warmer temperatures to grow again.

As you prune, be sure that there is green foliage remaining below where you make the cuts. If the stem is bare of leaves, it may not regrow. That said, Choisya tend to be resilient plants and will often sprout new shoots if the pruning is undertaken in summer.

How To Make A Choisya ternata Standard

Creating a Choisya ternata standard requires both patience and a straight, single-stemmed plant to start off with. The plant is staked to grow with a straight trunk. The branches are progressively trimmed off hard against the trunk until the desired height of the standard is achieved. Generally, no more than one-third of the overall vegetation is removed each time the branches are removed. This process can take two years (or more) to complete and requires the right balance between trimming and leaving enough foliage for the plant to keep growing strongly. If all this seems too hard or you don’t have the patience, contact us and we can generally supply your needs.

How To Plant Choisya ternata

Choose a full sun or partial position with good drainage and moderate shelter for your Choisya ternata plant. The hole should be dug to at least 50-75% deeper and wider than the container the plant is currently growing in. A good planting spade makes this job a lot easier. The Plant Company recommends incorporating compost or sheep pellets into the soil to provide additional organic material, but this is not essential. Do not put fertiliser in the bottom of the hole, rather spread that on the soil surface after planting, and preferably do this when the plant is actively growing in spring.

Remove the plant from the container it is growing in by either pulling it free or by cutting the bag. We recommend cutting the bag, especially for larger grade plants, to minimise any chance of damaging the roots. The Plant Company does not advise cutting through roots, even if the plant is rootbound, as that injures the plant. Our article, Managing Rootbound Plants explains this in more detail.

Now place the plant in the hole and make sure it is level with the soil surface before filling in around it. If it is sitting above the soil surface, dig more out. If it is below, put in more soil and retest the level. Once the plant is set level with the soil surface, add more soil gradually and firm it around the plant using gentle pressure from your fingers as you go. Scatter shrub fertiliser across the soil surface after planting and the give the plant a good watering. If the plant is taller than 30 cm you might want to consider staking it to give it a bit of extra support and use tree ties for secure and appropriate holding.

How To Propagate Choisya ternata

Choisya ternata are propagated from stem cuttings. Semi-hardwood cuttings are usually taken from autumn until mid-spring. A stem about 8-10 cm long is trimmed into a cutting using secateurs with 2-3 leaves at the top and just below a node. The cutting is dipped in rooting hormone then inserted into propagation growing media. The tray of cuttings is placed under mist with bottom heat also applied. The cuttings will have taken root inside of four weeks as a general rule.

What Is The Best Fertiliser For Choisya ternata?

Choisya ternata require feeding to keep them growing optimally. The Plant Company’s Shrub Fertiliser has been blended to give plants the boost they need and then sustained nutrition for the next 12 months. We recommend the fertiliser is applied to the soil surface in spring just as the plants start to grow actively. More importantly, we advise that no fertiliser is placed in the hole at planting, but rather spread around the soil surface so it can wash through the roots as it releases. This fertiliser ensures that nutrients remain in the soil around the plant rather than being lost through the soil profile to where the plant cannot reach it. This also applies to plants grown on sandy soils. The Plant Company’s Shrub Fertiliser is therefore very environmentally friendly and longer lasting than most other products in the market.

Foliar feeding using a liquid fertiliser can be undertaken if you have time but this is not essential if Shrub Fertiliser has been applied. If you think the plants need an extra boost or have some yellowing, however, a liquid fertiliser application won’t hurt. A great benefit of foliar feeding is that it helps keep the leaves strong and lush.

Where Is The Best Place To Plant Choisya ternata?

The best place to plant Choisya ternata is in a well-drained spot with a soil that is rich in fertility and slightly acidic. They can tolerate a variety of climates, but they prefer full sun or partial shade position that is sheltered from wind.