Choisya Ternata 'Mexican Orange Blossom'

Mexican Orange Blossom

Botanical Name: Choisya ternata ‘Mexican Orange Blossom’
Family: Rutaceae
Origin: Mexico and the southwestern United States
Plant Type: Evergreen shrub

Overview

A fragrant, evergreen shrub with glossy, aromatic foliage and clusters of pure white, citrus-scented flowers that bloom in spring and again in autumn. Choisya ternata ‘Mexican Orange Bloom’ is an elegant, low-maintenance shrub perfectly suited to Adelaide and South Australian gardens, thriving in both full sun and light shade. It provides year-round structure, seasonal fragrance, and bright green foliage that contrasts beautifully against darker natives or architectural plants. Ideal for hedging, borders, courtyards, and alfresco areas, it’s a timeless garden favourite for its scent and easy care.

Key Features

• Mature Size: 1.5–2.0 m H × 1.5–2.0 m W (can be kept smaller with light pruning)
• Growth Rate: 20–30 cm per year under good conditions
• Foliage: Glossy, aromatic, mid- to deep-green trifoliate leaves with a citrus fragrance when crushed
• Flowers: Clusters of star-shaped, white, citrus-scented blooms in spring, often repeating in autumn
• Seasonal Interest: Evergreen structure and scented flowering twice a year; fresh green foliage brightens gardens year-round
• Wildlife Value: Attracts bees, butterflies, and other pollinators; flowers provide nectar in spring and autumn; dense foliage offers shelter for small birds
• Tolerance: Moderately drought-tolerant once established; Handles Adelaide’s heat and dry summers if given occasional deep watering; Frost-tolerant to moderate levels (down to –5°C); Performs well in sheltered coastal and inland areas; Resistant to wind and adaptable to a range of garden conditions
• Planting Density: Informal hedge or border: 1 per metre; Mass planting or backdrop: 1.2–1.5 m apart; Feature planting: 1.5–2.0 m spacing
• Pet Friendly: Non-toxic to cats and dogs; safe for family gardens

Where It Works Best

• Sunlight: Full sun to part shade; best flowering in full sun; tolerates dappled or morning shade in Adelaide’s hot summers
• Soil: Prefers well-drained loam or sandy loam enriched with organic matter; tolerates slightly alkaline soils common across SA
• Water Needs: Establishment: 2 deep soaks/week for 8–12 weeks. Established: deep soak every 10–14 days in summer (weekly in heatwaves); little watering needed in winter
• Maintenance: Lightly prune after flowering to maintain a compact, rounded shape and encourage repeat blooms. Mulch annually and feed in early spring with a balanced, low-phosphorus fertiliser. Minimal pest or disease issues in SA’s dry climate
• Lifespan: 15–20+ years with occasional pruning and feeding
• Climate Zones: Ideal for Mediterranean and temperate South Australia, including Adelaide plains, Barossa Valley, Mount Lofty Ranges, Fleurieu Peninsula, and sheltered coastal gardens
• Soil pH: Tolerates slightly acidic to mildly alkaline soils

Landscape & Design Ideas

• Fragrant hedge or screen along paths and driveways
• Feature shrub near entrances, patios, and alfresco entertaining spaces
• Mixed planting with lavender, rosemary, and westringia for year-round colour and fragrance
• Container use for courtyards or formal designs
• Cottage, Mediterranean, or modern landscapes needing evergreen structure and seasonal scent

Why You Will Love It

Choisya ternata ‘Mexican Orange Bloom’ is a beautifully scented, evergreen shrub that thrives in Adelaide’s climate with little effort. Its twice-yearly bloom, glossy green foliage, and compact form make it a versatile choice for both formal and relaxed gardens — perfect for hedging, courtyard planting, or perfuming outdoor living areas.