Choisya 'Goldfinger' (Mexican Orange Blossom) – Golden Evergreen Shrub (3L Pot)

Narrow golden leaves with a citrus scent when brushed, and clusters of fragrant white flowers in late spring.

Choisya x dewitteana 'Goldfinger' has the finest leaflets of the golden choisyas, which gives it a soft, feathery outline that holds colour all year. White star shaped flowers open in late spring and often repeat in autumn, and they are good for bees and butterflies. It is compact at around 1m to 1.2m tall and wide, so it suits a small garden, a patio pot or a low hedge as easily as a mixed border.

Grow it in full sun or partial shade in well drained soil, in a border or a large pot. Full sun gives the strongest gold, but golden leaved choisyas scorch in strong midday sun, so a little afternoon shade keeps the foliage at its best. It is hardy in most of Britain, though cold drying winds can scorch the leaves, so give it some shelter. Deer and rabbits tend to leave it alone. A light trim after flowering keeps the shape and can bring on a second flush. In partial shade the leaves take on a softer lime green tone.

Cultural Information

• Common Name: Mexican orange blossom
• Fully Grown Height and Spread: About 1m to 1.2m tall and 1m to 1.2m wide
• Growth Habit: Compact, bushy, rounded evergreen shrub
• Perfect For: Mixed borders, low hedging and screening, patios, courtyards, containers and cottage gardens
• Foliage: Narrow, golden yellow, aromatic leaves, held all year
• Flowering Time: Late spring, often with a second flush in autumn
• Planting Position: Full sun or partial shade, with some shelter from cold drying winds. Grows well in a large container.
• Soil Type: Fertile, well drained soil. Once established it copes with dry spells.
• Hardiness: Hardy in most of Britain. Cold drying winds can scorch the leaves, so a little shelter helps.
• Maintenance: Low. Light trim after flowering.
• Seasonal Interest: Spring, summer and autumn
• Type: Hardy evergreen flowering shrub