Choisya ternata 'Sundance' (Mexican Orange Blossom) – Golden Evergreen Shrub (7.5L Pot)

Bright golden evergreen leaves that light up a border all year, with scented white flowers in late spring.

Choisya ternata 'Sundance' is grown first for its foliage: glossy, aromatic leaves in a clear chartreuse to gold that hold their colour through the dullest months. In late spring clusters of pure white, star shaped flowers open with a citrus scent, and there are often more in autumn in a mild year. It makes a dense, rounded shrub of up to about 1.5m tall and wide, and takes a trim to stay smaller.

Grow it in full sun or partial shade in well drained soil, in a border, a low informal hedge 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, and once established it copes with dry spells. A light trim after flowering keeps the shape and can bring on a second flush.

Cultural Information

• Common Name: Mexican orange blossom
• Fully Grown Height and Spread: Up to about 1.5m tall and 1.5m wide, and easily kept smaller
• Growth Habit: Dense, rounded, bushy evergreen shrub
• Perfect For: Borders, informal hedging, patios, courtyards and large containers
• Foliage: Glossy, aromatic, bright golden yellow leaves, held all year
• Flowering Time: Late spring to early summer, often with a second flush in autumn
• Planting Position: Full sun or partial shade, with some shelter from cold drying winds. Full sun gives the richest gold. Grows well in a large container.
• Soil Type: Moist but well drained. It copes with most fertile soils, including chalk, clay, loam and sand.
• Hardiness: Hardy in most of Britain. Cold drying winds can scorch the leaves, so a little shelter helps.
• Maintenance: Low. Light trim after each flush of flower.
• Seasonal Interest: Spring, summer and autumn
• Type: Hardy evergreen flowering shrub