Northwest Blooms · Shrubs
Choisya ternata
Mexican Orange Blossom
- Family
- Rutaceae
- Height
- 6 to 8 feet
- Width
- 6 to 8 feet
- Flower color
- White
- Foliage color
- Glossy, dark green
- Bloom time
- Late spring to early summer, sometimes again in autumn
- Light
- Full sun to partial shade
- Water
- Regular
- Maintenance
- Low
- Growing zone
- USDA Zones 7 to 10
- Wildlife
- Bees are attracted to the fragrant flowers
About this plant
Choisya ternata, commonly known as Mexican Orange Blossom, is a versatile evergreen shrub native to Mexico, prized for its attractive appearance and pleasant fragrance. It features glossy, dark green leaves that emit a citrus-like aroma when crushed, and in late spring to early summer, and sometimes again in autumn, it produces clusters of fragrant white flowers.
Popular in gardens and landscapes, it is used as a hedge, specimen plant, or in mixed borders. Thriving in well-draining soil, it prefers a sunny to partially shaded location and is relatively low-maintenance once established, making it a favored choice for adding beauty and fragrance to outdoor spaces.
Works well in
Sun Gardens · Fragrant Gardens · Hedging & Privacy · Pollinator Gardens
Companion plants
Tickseed · Russian sage · Potentilla · Fountain grass · Basket-of-gold · Lily of the Nile
Design tip
Fragrant flowers and aromatic foliage make this evergreen especially enjoyable near spaces you use often. A patio, entry, or frequently traveled walkway brings the scent within easy reach, while its dense green foliage provides an attractive backdrop for more colorful seasonal plantings.
