Northwest Blooms · Shrubs
Choisya x dewitteana 'Aztec Pearl'
Aztec Pearl Mexican Orange Blossom
- Family
- Rutaceae
- Height
- 6 to 8 feet
- Width
- 6 to 8 feet
- Flower color
- Pure white star shaped flowers with prominent golden yellow stamens
- Foliage color
- Glossy deep green finely divided narrow leaflets with a citrus scented aroma when crushed
- Bloom time
- Mid to late spring, often April to May
- Light
- Full sun to partial shade
- Water
- Average
- Maintenance
- Low; prune lightly after flowering to maintain shape and remove dead stems
- Growing zone
- USDA zones 7 to 10
- Wildlife
- Bees, butterflies and other pollinating insects
About this plant
Choisya x dewitteana 'Aztec Pearl' produces clusters of star-shaped white flowers with golden stamens in mid to late spring, releasing a light citrus fragrance as the blooms open along the stems. The flowers appear among finely divided, narrow leaflets that form elegant, glossy green foliage throughout the year. The slender leaves create a soft, feathery texture along the branches, giving the plant a refined evergreen presence.
This cultivated hybrid traces its heritage to Choisya species native to Mexico. In gardens it brings year-round structure to borders, foundation plantings, and sheltered landscapes, where the fragrant spring flowers and delicate evergreen foliage add texture and seasonal interest.
Works well in
Sun Gardens · Fragrant Gardens · Foundation Plantings · Pollinator Gardens
Companion plants
Thyme · English lavender · Dianthus · Blue oat grass · Euphorbias · Globe thistle
Design tip
Finely divided foliage gives this evergreen a softer look than many broad-leaved shrubs, making it useful for breaking up heavier shapes in a planting. Nearby plants with larger or bolder leaves can emphasize that contrast, while the fragrant white flowers bring a fresh spring highlight.
