How to Grow Choisya (Mexican Orange Blossom)

Choisya, or Mexican orange blossom, is one of the most useful evergreen shrubs you can grow. Its glossy leaves look good all year, and its clusters of white, sweetly scented flowers are loved by bees.

It's tough, low-maintenance and easy to grow. Here's how.

Choisya at a Glance

• Hardiness: hardy in most of Britain, though cold, drying winds can scorch the leaves.
• Position: sun or partial shade, with a little shelter.
• Size: about 60cm to 3m, depending on the variety.
• Flowers: scented white flowers, mainly in spring, often with more later in the year.
• When to plant: March to May, or September to November.
• Good for: borders, pots, evergreen structure, scent and bees.

Green or Golden?

• Green-leaved choisya, such as Choisya ternata and 'White Dazzler', are the toughest and flower freely.
• Golden choisya, such as 'Sundance', 'Aztec Gold' and 'Goldfinger', bring bright colour all year. They scorch in strong midday sun and colour best with a little shade.
• Narrow-leaved kinds, such as 'Aztec Pearl', cope better with wind.

Where to Plant Choisya

Choisya grows in sun or partial shade, in any reasonable soil that drains well. Give it a little shelter from cold, drying winds, which can scorch the leaves. It's not the right choice for a very exposed or windswept seaside garden.

Caring for Choisya

• Watering: water new plants in dry spells through their first year, and keep plants in pots watered.
• Pruning: choisya needs very little pruning. Trim lightly after the spring flowers to keep it neat, and cut out any shoots damaged by cold wind.
• In pots: choisya makes a lovely evergreen pot plant. Use a pot with drainage holes and stand it on pot feet in winter.

Choisya: Your Questions Answered

Is choisya evergreen?

Yes. It keeps its glossy leaves all year.

Why are my choisya leaves turning brown?

Usually cold, drying wind, or strong midday sun on golden varieties. Give it more shelter, and golden kinds a little shade.

Does choisya smell?

Yes. The flowers have a sweet, citrus-like scent, and the leaves are aromatic when crushed.

Scent and Structure All Year

Easy, evergreen and scented, choisya earns its place in any garden. Browse our choisya, or see the best evergreen shrubs.

Our garden plants are grown in Britain by growers we know, including the Yorkshire nursery that grows most of them. We check every plant by hand before it's packed, and send it out ready for your garden.