Mexican orange Choisya Royal Lace = 'Pmoore06' (PBR)

Water

Mexican Orange Blossom requires regular watering, especially during dry spells in the growing season. It should be watered deeply once or twice a week, depending on the weather conditions and soil drainage. Provide about 1 gallon of water per plant for each watering session to ensure moisture reaches the roots. During winter, reduce the frequency to match lower temperatures and plant dormancy. Always check the soil moisture before watering; it should be moist but not waterlogged.

Light

Mexican Orange Blossom thrives in a bright spot with full sun to partial shade. It prefers at least six hours of sunlight daily but can benefit from some afternoon shade in extremely hot climates. Avoid dense shade since it can result in a leggy plant with fewer flowers.

Temperature

Mexican Orange Blossom can tolerate a range of temperatures but performs best between 65°F and 75°F. It can withstand minimum temperatures of around 15°F, though hard frosts may damage the foliage. Avoid locations where temperatures regularly drop below this range or where cold winds can affect the plant.

Pruning

Prune Mexican Orange Blossom to maintain its shape, remove any damaged or diseased branches, and encourage bushier growth. The best time for pruning is in late spring after the plant has flowered. Lightly trim back the tips of stems and cut back any overgrown areas. Pruning can be done annually or as needed to keep the plant looking tidy.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

The Mexican Orange Blossom 'Royal Lace' prefers well-draining soil rich in organic matter. A good mix would have loam, peat, and coarse sand or perlite to ensure drainage and fertility. Ideal soil pH should be slightly acidic to neutral, around pH 6.0-7.0.

Repotting

Mexican Orange Blossom 'Royal Lace' should generally be repotted every 2 to 3 years to refresh the soil and accommodate root growth. Spring is the best time to repot to minimize stress on the plant.

Humidity & Misting

Mexican Orange Blossom 'Royal Lace' thrives in moderate humidity levels. While it can tolerate some dry air, it performs best with humidity around 50-60%.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place in bright, indirect light and keep soil moderately moist.

• Outdoor

  Plant in partial shade; shelter from strong winds and frost.

• Hardiness zone

  7-10 USDA

Life cycle

The Choisya Royal Lace, also known as Mexican Orange Blossom 'Pmoore06', begins its life as a seed, which, when sown in a well-draining soil mix and exposed to the right conditions, will germinate and produce a small seedling. The seedling stage involves the development of a basic root system and the first true leaves, which will photosynthesize and allow the plant to grow. As it enters the vegetative stage, the plant will establish a more robust root system and produce lush, ornamental foliage that is finely cut and has a delicate, lace-like appearance, and is known for its purple hue. With maturity, the Choisya Royal Lace enters the flowering phase, usually in late spring to early summer, producing fragrant, star-shaped white flowers which attract pollinators. After pollination, if it occurs, the plant may produce small fruit containing seeds, allowing for the continuation of the cycle, although many cultivars are grown from cuttings vs. seeds. Over time, the plant may reach a mature height of around 1 meter, and will then enter a maintenance phase, requiring pruning and care to remain healthy and avoid the senescence stage, in which its growth and vitality may decline.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Early Summer

• The most popular method of propagation for Choisya 'Royal Lace', commonly known as Mexican Orange, is through semi-hardwood cuttings. This process typically takes place in late summer. A healthy parent plant is selected, and cuttings of about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 cm) long with several leaf nodes are taken. The lower leaves are removed, and the base of the cutting is dipped in rooting hormone to encourage root development. Then, the cuttings are planted in a well-draining soil mix, watered thoroughly, and placed in a warm area with indirect sunlight. A plastic cover may be used to maintain humidity around the cuttings, creating a mini greenhouse effect. New growth is usually indicative of successful rooting, after which the new plants can be gradually acclimatized to outdoor conditions before transplanting.