Mexican Orange Blossom Choisya ternata
ABOUT
The Mexican Orange Blossom, commonly known as Choisya ternata, is an evergreen shrub that features a lush and glossy foliage with a dense, rounded appearance. The leaves are bright green, palmately compound with three leaflets that release a pleasant fragrance when crushed or brushed against. Its attractive foliage is complemented by star-shaped white flowers that bloom profusely in clusters, often appearing in late spring and occasionally again in the autumn. These blossoms emit a sweet and aromatic fragrance, which can enliven any garden space. After flowering, the plant produces small, inedible green fruits. The Mexican Orange Blossom maintains a neat appearance throughout the year, making it a popular choice for both informal and formal garden designs.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Rutaceae
Synonyms
Mexican Orange, Mexican Orange Blossom, Mock Orange, Mexican Orange Flower, Choisya
Common names
Choisya grandiflora, Choisya mollis, Choisya odorata.
ToxicityTo humans
Mexican Orange Blossom (Choisya ternata) is not considered highly toxic to humans. However, as with many plants, it may cause irritation if the sap comes into contact with the skin or if any part of the plant is ingested, potentially resulting in nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. It is always advisable to handle plants with care and avoid ingesting plant material.
To pets
Mexican Orange Blossom (Choisya ternata) is not listed as a highly toxic plant to pets. Nevertheless, consumption of plant parts may cause mild gastrointestinal upset in some pets, including symptoms such as vomiting or diarrhea. It is generally recommended to keep an eye on your pet if they show an interest in eating plants and to prevent them from doing so where possible.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
6-8 feet (1.8-2.4 meters)
Spread
6-8 feet (1.8-2.4 meters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
7-10
Native area
Mexico
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic appeal: Choisya ternata, commonly known as Mexican Orange Blossom, has glossy green leaves and produces fragrant, star-shaped white flowers, adding beauty to garden landscapes.
- Easy maintenance: It is considered a low-maintenance shrub, requiring minimal pruning and care once established.
- Drought tolerance: Once established, Mexican Orange Blossom is relatively drought-tolerant, making it suitable for water-efficient gardens.
- Attracts pollinators: The fragrant flowers attract bees and other pollinators, supporting local ecosystems.
- Evergreen foliage: As an evergreen plant, Mexican Orange Blossom provides year-round greenery and structure to gardens.
- Hedge or screen: It can be used as a natural hedge or screening plant, offering privacy and wind protection.
- Versatility in landscape: The plant can be incorporated into various garden designs, from formal to cottage-style landscapes.
- Deer resistance: Choisya ternata is generally resistant to deer, making it suitable for areas where deer predation is a concern.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Ornamental Hedge: Choisya ternata, commonly known as Mexican Orange Blossom, can be used to create dense, evergreen hedges perfect for borders and screening.
- Aromatic Sachets: The leaves of the Mexican Orange Blossom, when dried, can be used to fill sachets to impart a pleasant scent in drawers and closets.
- Insect Repellent: The foliage of the plant may be used as a natural insect repellent due to its strong aromatic oils when crushed.
- Garden Plant Combinations: This plant works well in garden designs when paired with other perennials that require similar growing conditions such as lavender or roses.
- Container Gardening: Mexican Orange Blossom is suitable for container gardening, where its glossy green foliage and fragrant flowers can enhance patios, balconies or terraces.
- Privacy Screens: With its quick-growing and thick foliage, it can be used to create living privacy screens around outdoor living areas.
- Focal Point Planting: Choisya ternata can be used as a focal point in small gardens due to its attractive fragrant flowers and bright green foliage.
- Floral Arrangements: Fresh cut flowers and foliage from this plant can be used in floral arrangements for their appearance and fragrance.
- Edging Plant: The plant can be used for edging in garden beds, providing a compact and neat border that requires minimal maintenance.
- Culinary Use: Although not commonly used for culinary purposes, the fragrant flowers can be used as an edible garnish for certain dishes.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Mexican Orange Blossom is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Mexican Orange Blossom is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Purity: The white flowers and the overall appearance of the Choisya ternata, which is commonly known as Mexican Orange Blossom, are often associated with purity and innocence.
- Unity: The name 'ternata' refers to the leaves which are commonly grouped in threes, symbolizing togetherness and unity.
- Renewal: As a plant that can flower twice a year, the Mexican Orange Blossom is seen as a symbol of renewal and rebirth.
- Celebration: The sweet scent of the blossoms is reminiscent of joyous occasions, hence symbolizing celebration.
- Protection: The dense foliage of the Mexican Orange Blossom is sometimes seen as a protective barrier, representing safety and shelter.
WaterMexican Orange Blossom should be watered regularly but with moderation, ensuring the soil is moist but well-drained. During the growing season in spring and summer, watering thoroughly once a week is usually sufficient. However, allow the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings. When temperatures are cooler in fall and winter, reduce watering to every two to three weeks. Each watering should provide enough water to soak the roots, so for a potted plant, this might be around 16-32 ounces, depending on the size of the pot and the environmental conditions.
LightMexican Orange Blossom thrives in full sun to partial shade. It prefers a spot that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight daily but can also benefit from some afternoon shade in hotter climates to prevent leaf scorch. The ideal location would offer morning sunlight with some protection from the intense sun during the peak hours.
TemperatureMexican Orange Blossom is hardy and can tolerate temperatures as low as 15°F but thrives in a range between 50°F and 75°F. To encourage good growth and flowering, maintain ambient temperatures within this ideal range. Extreme heat can stress the plant, and prolonged exposure to temperatures below 15°F may cause damage.
PruningMexican Orange Blossom should be pruned to maintain shape and encourage bushier growth. Pruning is best done in spring after the plant has finished blooming, to avoid cutting off future flower buds. Remove any dead or damaged branches and trim up to one-third of the old growth to promote new shoots.
CleaningAs needed
SoilMexican Orange Blossom thrives in fertile, well-draining soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. A soil mixture with equal parts of loam, peat or compost, and sharp sand or perlite is ideal for ensuring good drainage and fertility.
RepottingMexican Orange Blossom generally requires repotting every two to three years to refresh the soil and accommodate root growth. Repot in spring or early summer before new growth begins.
Humidity & MistingMexican Orange Blossom prefers moderate humidity levels but is quite adaptable. It typically does well in the average humidity found in most home environments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Mexican Orange Blossom in bright, indirect light and well-draining soil.
Outdoor
Plant in well-drained soil, full sun to partial shade, and shelter from cold winds.
Hardiness zone
7-10 USDA
Life cycleThe life of Mexican Orange Blossom (Choisya ternata) begins with germination, where seeds require warmth and moisture to sprout, emerging with seed leaves followed by true leaves. It transitions to vegetative growth, where it develops a woody structure and evergreen foliage, thriving in well-drained soil with full sun to partial shade. Flowering occurs mostly in late spring, with clusters of fragrant white flowers that may bloom again in fall. After pollination, typically by insects due to the flowers' fragrance, the plant produces small fruits which contain seeds for the next generation. The mature plant maintains a bushy appearance and can live for many years with proper care, including pruning to encourage bushier growth and prevent legginess. During its lifetime, the Mexican Orange Blossom can also be propagated by softwood cuttings taken in summer to create new plants.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The most popular method for propagating Mexican Orange Blossom, or Choisya ternata, is through semi-hardwood cuttings. This process usually takes place in late summer to early fall. To propagate using this method, one would cut a length of stem about 4-6 inches long (10-15 cm), making sure the cutting has a few leaves. The base of the cutting should be dipped in rooting hormone powder to encourage root development. Afterward, the cutting is planted in a pot filled with a mixture of peat and perlite or a similar well-draining rooting medium. The pot should then be placed in a warm, shaded area and kept moist until roots develop, which typically takes a few weeks. Once the cuttings have rooted and grown strong, they can be transplanted to their final location.
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