Mexican Orange Blossom Choisya × dewitteana White Dazzler = 'Londaz' (PBR)

Water

The Mexican Orange Blossom 'White Dazzler' prefers to be watered sparingly, generally requiring watering only when the top inch of soil feels dry to touch. During the growing season, from spring to summer, it may need watering roughly once a week but always check the soil moisture level first. Ensure to provide deep watering to encourage strong root growth, which might mean around 1-2 gallons depending on the size of the plant and the environmental conditions. Reduce watering in the winter months, as the plant enters a dormant phase and requires less moisture, perhaps every few weeks.

Light

The Mexican Orange Blossom 'White Dazzler' thrives in a well-lit spot that offers full to partial sunlight. However, it’s important to protect the plant from harsh, direct afternoon sun, which could scorch its leaves. Ideal growing conditions would provide bright, indirect light throughout the day. Positioning the plant in a location that receives morning sunlight and dappled shade in the afternoon would be most beneficial.

Temperature

The Mexican Orange Blossom 'White Dazzler' prefers a mild climate and can tolerate temperatures ranging from around 15°F as a minimum to about 90°F at the maximum. The ideal temperature for this plant falls within the range of 60°F to 75°F. It is not frost-tolerant and should be protected from extreme cold or sudden temperature drops.

Pruning

Pruning the Mexican Orange Blossom 'White Dazzler' helps to maintain its shape and encourage bushier growth. Light pruning can be done in late spring or early summer after the flowering period to remove dead or damaged branches and to enhance its appearance. Heavy pruning should be avoided; instead, cut back lightly and selectively. It usually doesn’t require more than one pruning session per year.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Mexican Orange Blossom 'White Dazzler' thrives in well-draining, loamy soil enriched with organic matter. The ideal pH for this plant is slightly acidic to neutral, ranging from 6.0 to 7.5. A mix of two parts garden soil, one part sand, and one part organic compost would create an optimal environment for healthy growth.

Repotting

Mexican Orange Blossom 'White Dazzler' does not require frequent repotting and should be repotted every 2-3 years. If it's growing well and isn't root-bound, it can remain in the same pot for a longer period.

Humidity & Misting

Mexican Orange Blossom 'White Dazzler' prefers moderate humidity levels, around 40-60%. It can tolerate some variation but consistent humidity helps maintain its glossy foliage.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place in bright, indirect light and shield from dry heat sources.

• Outdoor

  Choose a sheltered spot with partial shade and shelter from cold winds.

• Hardiness zone

  7-10 USDA

Life cycle

Choisya × dewitteana White Dazzler, commonly known as Mexican Orange, starts its life cycle when a seed germinates, usually in spring or early summer, under suitable moisture and temperature conditions. The seedling then develops into a juvenile plant, establishing a root system and foliage through photosynthesis. As the plant transitions to maturity, it develops a more extensive root system and branches out, bearing glossy evergreen leaves and, eventually, clusters of fragrant, star-shaped white flowers, typically in late spring. After pollination, which is often aided by insects, the flowers may develop into small fruits with seeds, allowing for the potential spread and continuation of the plant's life cycle. The Mexican Orange is a perennial shrub and continues to grow and produce flowers annually, often experiencing a second, lighter flush of blooms in the autumn. The plant reaches senescence after several years, with a gradual decline in vitality and reproductive capability before eventually dying, completing its life cycle.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Early Summer

• The most popular method of propagation for the Choisya × dewitteana White Dazzler, also known as Mexican Orange Blossom, is through semi-ripe cuttings. This is typically done during late summer to ensure that the cutting has partially matured but is not too hard or woody. Gardeners will select healthy stems and make a cutting about 4 to 6 inches (approximately 10 to 15 cm) long. The lower leaves are removed, and the cut end may be dipped in rooting hormone to encourage root development. The cutting is then placed in a well-draining potting mix, ensuring that the leaf nodes where roots will form are beneath the soil surface. The pot should be kept in a warm, sheltered spot and maintained at high humidity, sometimes using a plastic cover, to help the cutting establish. Roots usually develop within a few weeks, and once established, the young plants can be transplanted to their permanent positions.