All you need to know about growing and caring for Mexican orange blossom, in our Grow Guide.
Mexican orange blossom (Choisya ternata) is a handsome evergreen shrub with attractive foliage and scented flowers, which are produced over a long period. Glossy evergreen dark green leaves are attractively divided into several leaflets and the foliage is aromatic when bruised – the variety Sundance has attractive golden yellow leaves. Clusters of scented star-shaped white flowers are borne predominantly in late spring and early summer, sometimes with a second flush later in the season. This medium-sized shrub reaches a height and spread of 1.5-2.5m and is easy to grow when given a sunny, sheltered site. Shelter is especially important in colder areas as, although choisyas are hardy down to around -10°C, they do need protection from cold north or east winds.
The Sundance Mexican orange blossom, also known by its botanical name Choisya ternata ‘Sundance’, is a stunning evergreen shrub that provides fabulous foliage color and sweetly scented blooms. With its glowing yellow leaves and graceful growth habit, this plant deserves a spot in gardens everywhere.
Overview of Sundance Mexican Orange Blossom
Sundance Mexican orange blossom is a cultivar of the species Choisya ternata, commonly called Mexican orange blossom. The species is native to the southwestern United States and Mexico It’s an evergreen shrub in the rue family that typically grows 4-6 feet tall and wide. The leaves are arranged in whorls of three along the stems, each with three leaflets.
The Sundance cultivar offers a beautiful twist on the usual green foliage Emerging new growth is a striking chartreuse-yellow, brightening to golden yellow as leaves mature This glowing foliage remains colorful all year long. In late spring through early summer, clusters of small white star-shaped flowers appear, each with five petals. The blooms have a lovely, sweet orange blossom fragrance.
Growing Conditions for Sundance Mexican Orange Blossom
This adaptable shrub thrives in full sun to partial shade exposures. It prefers decent moisture but has very good drought tolerance once established. Well-drained soil is essential to avoid root rot. The plant grows well in soils with a slightly acidic to neutral pH. It can tolerate seaside conditions.
Sundance Mexican orange blossom grows at a moderate rate, reaching its mature size in about 3-5 years. It can be kept pruned to a more compact shape if desired. Regular pruning also helps maintain the lush color of new growth that gives this plant its ornamental appeal. Hardiness range is USDA zones 7 to 10.
How to Use Sundance Mexican Orange Blossom in Gardens
With its vivid golden foliage and sweet floral display, Sundance Mexican orange blossom provides year-round interest. Here are some great ways to showcase this shrub:
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Plant as an anchor or focal point of a mixed garden bed. Combine with perennials like lavender, coreopsis, yarrow and ornamental grasses.
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Use as a colorful backdrop for flowering plants like roses, lantana, verbena and pentas. The bright yellow leaves make other colors pop.
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Feature in a low hedge, border or property line screen. Space plants 3-4 feet apart for a dense hedge.
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Grow in containers on a patio, deck or balcony. The fragrant blooms will perfume the air up close.
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Plant a pair on either side of an entryway, walkway or gate to draw attention.
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Group in a mass planting bed for bold color impact. Include some green shrubs for contrast.
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Mix into a wildlife-friendly native garden. Birds and pollinators love the nectar-rich flowers.
Caring for Sundance Mexican Orange Blossom
Sundance Mexican orange blossom is relatively easy care once established. Follow these tips for success:
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Water regularly the first year after planting, then only as needed during drought. Avoid overwatering.
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Apply a 2-4 inch layer of mulch around the root zone to conserve moisture and suppress weeds.
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Prune lightly after flowering to shape and maintain compact growth habit. Never shear heavily.
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Fertilize in early spring with a balanced organic or slow-release product to support new growth.
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Watch for common pests like aphids, scale, mites and caterpillars. Control with targeted organic sprays.
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Propagate by taking stem cuttings in summer. Roots readily in 4-6 weeks.
With proper siting and care, Sundance Mexican orange blossom will thrive for many years, providing non-stop color and fragrance to brighten any garden space. Its glowing golden foliage and sweet blooms make this dramatic shrub a standout. For an evergreen shrub that delivers year-round beauty, look no further than the Sundance Mexican orange blossom.
How to care for Choisya ternata
Annually, in early spring, mulch the soil around the plant with well-rotted organic matter such as home-made garden compost or leaf mould, or chipped bark, avoiding contact with the stems. Apply a general fertilizer at the same time if the soil is low in fertility.
How to propagate Choisya ternata
Propagate Mexican orange blossom by taking cuttings from mid- to late-summer. Select cuttings of young, healthy, vigorous, non-flowering shoots, insert in pots of moist seed compost; and place in a heated propagator until new growth begins to appear. Pot individually into small pots and grow on to plant out the following year.
Choisya ternata ‘Sundance’ -Sundance Mexican Orange Blossom
FAQ
How big do Mexican orange sundance get?
Grows in a rounded medium-sized, shrub up to 4-8 ft. high (120-240 cm) and wide. Easily grown in fertile, well-drained soils in full sun to part shade.
How big do Choisya Mexican orange blossoms get?
Mexican Orange Blossom is an average growing evergreen shrub. On average, it can achieve a growth rate of 30-50cm per year. Choisya ternata is ideal for heights between 1-2m.
Does Choisya like sun or shade?
Choisyas grow well in most soil types, provided they aren’t overly wet or very dry. They prefer a sunny position, although they can cope in light shade. A sheltered site, such as against a warm wall, is ideal, especially for more tender cultivars. Good for containers.
How big do Choisya Sundance grow?
Choisya Sundance is ideal for heights between 1-2m and as well as being trimmed to a traditional shape, it can be left rather more fluffy for a more informal appearance.