Mexican orange 'Aztec Gold' Choisya × dewitteana 'Aztec Gold' (PBR)

Water

Mexican Orange 'Aztec Gold' thrives when watered deeply but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. Typically, watering once a week is sufficient, but this may need to increase to twice per week during prolonged dry spells or hot weather. Aim to provide about 1 to 1.5 gallons of water per plant for each watering, adjusting as needed for the size of the plant and the prevailing weather conditions. During winter, water less frequently, only ensuring that the root ball does not dry out completely.

Light

Mexican Orange 'Aztec Gold' prefers a spot that receives full sun to partial shade. Ideal locations provide morning sunlight and afternoon shade, especially in hotter climates. However, the plant is adaptable and can also do well in a lightly shaded area where it receives dappled sunlight throughout the day.

Temperature

Mexican Orange 'Aztec Gold' is hardy and can tolerate a range of temperatures, but ideally, it should be grown in conditions where the temperature remains between 50°F and 80°F. The plant can survive brief periods of cold down to about 15°F, but extended exposure to temperatures below 20°F may cause damage. The ideal growing conditions are temperate, avoiding the extremes of both heat and frost.

Pruning

Prune Mexican Orange 'Aztec Gold' to maintain its shape and encourage bushier growth. The best time to prune is after the plant has finished flowering in late spring or early summer. Cut back any overgrown branches or stems, and remove any dead or damaged wood. Pruning can be done annually, but avoid heavy pruning; instead, trim lightly to shape the plant.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Mexican Orange Blossom, or Choisya 'Aztec Gold', thrives in a well-draining soil mix with a pH of 6.0-7.5. An ideal mix contains loamy soil, peat, and coarse sand or perlite to ensure adequate drainage and aeration. Enriching the soil with organic matter like compost will also promote healthy growth.

Repotting

Mexican Orange Blossom typically needs repotting every 2-3 years. Young plants grow more rapidly and may require annual repotting, while mature, established shrubs need less frequent repotting.

Humidity & Misting

Mexican Orange Blossom prefers moderate humidity levels. It is adaptable to outdoor humidity conditions and does not typically require additional humidity when grown indoors.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Provide bright, indirect light and well-draining soil.

• Outdoor

  Plant in sunny to partially shaded area with well-draining soil.

• Hardiness zone

  7-10 USDA

Life cycle

Choisya × dewitteana 'Aztec Gold', commonly known as Mexican Orange 'Aztec Gold', starts its life cycle when its seeds germinate in spring under the appropriate temperature and soil conditions. The seedlings develop into juvenile plants with characteristic golden-yellow foliage, which gradually mature during the growing season. During maturity, the plant reaches its full size and shape, producing clusters of fragrant white flowers that typically bloom in late spring or early summer, with a potential second flowering in autumn. After pollination, the flowers may produce small, inedible fruits containing seeds that can be dispersed to start a new generation. Throughout its life, the plant undergoes seasonal growth and dormancy cycles, where active growth occurs in warm seasons and the plant enters a dormant state during colder, winter months. With proper care, the Mexican Orange 'Aztec Gold' can live for many years, creating a woody structural base from which new growth emerges annually.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Early Summer

• Choisya × dewitteana 'Aztec Gold,' also known as Mexican Orange, is commonly propagated through the process of semi-hardwood cuttings. This method is often carried out in late summer. To do this, a gardener will select a healthy, non-flowering shoot and cut a section approximately 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 cm) long. The lower leaves are removed, and the cut end is dipped into a rooting hormone to encourage root growth. The cutting is then placed in a well-drained potting mix and kept in a warm, humid environment, often under a plastic cover to retain moisture. Rooting typically takes a few weeks, after which the new plant can be potted on and gradually acclimatized to outdoor conditions.