SafePlants

Mexican Orange Blossom

The plant commonly known as Mexican Orange Blossom belongs to the genus Choisya. Other common names include Mexican Orange and Mock Orange.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Choisya ternata
• Family: Rutaceae (Rue family)
• The genus Choisya is named for Swiss botanist Jacques.

Considerations for Pets

• The text mentions the plant's aromatic foliage and fragrant flowers, characteristics that may attract the attention of pets.

Considerations for Children

• The plant is a shrub.
• The text mentions the plant's aromatic foliage and fragrant flowers, characteristics that may attract the attention of children.

Description

• Choisya is a genus of evergreen shrubs.
• Choisya ternata is described as a rounded, medium-sized bushy evergreen shrub.
• Leaves are palmately divided, with dark, glossy green leaves divided into three broad leaflets.
• Flowers are fragrant, star-shaped, and white. They bloom in late April to late May, and some varieties, like 'Sundance', may flower again in late summer and autumn.
• Some cultivars, such as 'Sundance' ('Lich'), have bright yellow or golden foliage.

Distribution and Habitat

• Choisya ternata is native to Mexico.
• It can grow in the UK, making it one of the few shrubs native to Mexico that thrives there.
• Starleaf Mexican orange grows in sandy and rocky slopes in the Trans-Pecos into New Mexico and Arizona.

Cultivation

• It is considered an easy-to-grow shrub with a neat, compact habit.
• It is suitable for beginner gardeners and requires virtually no maintenance.
• It thrives in any soil type.
• An annual trim after flowering is recommended to keep Choisya ternata neat and tidy.
• It grows well in sun or shade.

Quirky Facts

• The plant is called Mexican Orange Blossom because its flower resembles that of the orange tree, and its crumpled foliage reminds some of the smell of orange trees.