Mexican orange 'Aztec Pearl' Choisya × dewitteana 'Aztec Pearl'

Water

The Mexican Orange Blossom, or Choisya 'Aztec Pearl', should be watered deeply once a week, ensuring the area around the root zone is thoroughly moistened. During the growing season, in dry or hot weather, increase watering to twice a week. Apply about 1 to 1.5 gallons of water for each watering session, depending on the size of the plant and the soil moisture level. Make sure the plant has well-draining soil to prevent root rot. During the winter, reduce watering, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings, as the plant's water needs decrease.

Light

The Mexican Orange Blossom thrives in full sun to partial shade. It is best situated in a spot where it receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day, but it can also tolerate some light shade, especially in hotter climates. Avoid deep shade as it may result in fewer flowers and a less dense plant.

Temperature

The Mexican Orange Blossom prefers a temperate range with ideal temperatures between 65 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. It can endure minimum temperatures down to around 15 degrees Fahrenheit, but frost can damage the plant. Ensure that it's protected or moved indoors if extreme cold is predicted.

Pruning

Prune the Mexican Orange Blossom to maintain shape and to promote bushier growth. The best time for pruning is in late spring after the flowering cycle has finished. Pruning can be done annually, but is not required every year unless the plant is overgrown. Cut back any frost-damaged branches in early spring.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Mexican Orange 'Aztec Pearl' thrives in a well-draining soil mix with added organic matter. A mixture of garden soil, peat, and perlite or coarse sand would be ideal, allowing for good aeration and drainage. The pH should be slightly acidic to neutral, around 6.0 to 7.5.

Repotting

Mexican Orange 'Aztec Pearl' should be repotted every 2-3 years to ensure it has enough room to grow. The best time to repot is in the spring, just before the onset of the growing season.

Humidity & Misting

Mexican Orange 'Aztec Pearl' prefers moderate humidity levels but is quite adaptable. It does not require any special humidity considerations when planted outdoors in its suitable climate.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place in bright, indirect light and avoid cold drafts.

• Outdoor

  Plant in well-drained soil, full sun to partial shade.

• Hardiness zone

  7-10 USDA

Life cycle

The Mexican Orange 'Aztec Pearl' begins its life cycle as a seed, which when sown in a well-drained soil mix, germinates to produce a small seedling. As the seedling grows, it develops a root system and foliage, eventually forming a bushy evergreen shrub with glossy, aromatic leaves and a rounded habit. During the spring and early summer, 'Aztec Pearl' enters its flowering stage, producing fragrant white flowers that attract pollinators and provide aesthetic value. After pollination, if conditions allow, the flowers may develop into small fruit containing seeds, although this is uncommon in cultivation. The shrub continues to mature, increasing in size and may require pruning to maintain its shape and promote bushier growth. With proper care, 'Aztec Pearl' can live for many years, going through annual cycles of growth and dormancy, with flowering occurring each spring.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Early Summer

• Choisya 'Aztec Pearl', commonly known as Mexican Orange, is best propagated in the late spring or early summer. The most popular method involves taking semi-ripe cuttings, which are stem pieces that are not fully mature and have a slightly firm texture. To propagate, cut a length of stem about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 centimeters) long, ensuring there are at least a couple of leaf nodes. The lower leaves should be removed, and the cut end can be dipped in rooting hormone to encourage root development. The cutting should then be inserted into a pot filled with a mixture of peat and perlite or a similar free-draining propagation medium to ensure adequate moisture without waterlogging. The pot needs to be placed in a warm, shaded spot and covered with a plastic bag or placed in a propagator to maintain high humidity around the cutting. Roots typically develop within a few weeks, after which the cutting can be gradually acclimatized to the outside environment before planting out.