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Key characteristics

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

Shrubs

Choisya ternata

Mexican Orange Blossom

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.

Light

Full sun to partial shade

Water

Regular

Bloom time

Late spring to early summer, sometimes again in autumn

Find this plant

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.

Printable plant sheet (PDF)