Introducing...
Choisya
Common name: Mexican orange blossom
These popular, easy-to-grow evergreen shrubs, with their attractive textural leaves and fragrant white spring flowers, provide year-round interest. They work particularly well with early perennials and spring bulbs that flower at the same time, such as tulips and late daffodils.
Looks
Compact shrubs with sweetly scented white flowers in late spring, held in clusters above aromatic evergreen leaves. Choisya ternata Sundance = 'Lich' has golden-yellow leaves, while those of Choisya × dewitteana ‘Aztec Pearl’ are narrower, giving a less dense appearance.
Likes
Choisyas grow well in most soil types, provided they aren’t overly wet or very dry. They prefer a sunny position, although they can cope in light shade. A sheltered site, such as against a warm wall, is ideal, especially for more tender cultivars. Good for containers.
Dislikes
Choisyas dislike soil that stays damp for long spells, and a very exposed position may lead to some damage to foliage.
Did you know?
Known as Mexican orange blossom, this shrub is indeed related to oranges (and other citrus). Like them, its leaves release an aromatic oil when crushed, but it’s from the flower fragrance that it gets its common name.
Growing guide
How to grow choisya
All the information you’ll need to grow and care for choisya in your garden
Love gardening
Sign up to receive regular gardening tips, inspiration, offers and more
View our Privacy Policy
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.