HOW TO GROW CHOISYA TERNATA 'SUNDANCE'

How to grow Choisya ternata 'Sundance'


Commonly known as the 'Mexican Orange Blossom', and is indeed (although rather distantly) related to the citrus genus, Choisya ternata 'Sundance' is arguably the most popular of all the species, hybrids and cultivars within this small genus of evergreen, aromatic shrubs.

How to grow Choisya ternata 'Sundance'
The genus is named in honour of the Swiss botanist, and professor of philosophy at Geneva, Jacques Denys Choisy (1799-1859).

It is a medium-sized specimen with a rounded habit, which under favourable conditions can be expected to reach a height and spread of between 1.5-2.5 metres. The glossy, trifoliate (three-lobed) leaves are bright yellow in colour and with an aromatic rue fragrance when crushed.

The sweetly scented, white, orange-blossom-like, blooms are produced from late spring to early summer, although a second flush in the autumn is not uncommon. The flowers are borne in clusters in numbers of up to 6 from the leaf axils.

Choisya ternata 'Sundance' will thrive in any well-drained garden soil. They are best planted in May to April in a sheltered position, but one which is in shade during the hottest part of the day as the foliage and bleach out.

In colder, northern European gardens they are best planted against a south-facing wall as the leaves can be prone to frost damage, especially new season growth.

No regular pruning is required, but it is worth removing any straggly stems after flowering to maintain a tidy habit. Any frost damaged shoots should be removed entirely.

Choisya ternata 'Sundance' is noted for being resistant to damage from rabbits, and once established has proven to be reasonably drought tolerant.

For related articles click onto the following links:
HOW TO GROW CHOISYA TERNATA 'SUNDANCE'
HOW TO GROW PHOTINIA RED ROBIN
HOW TO PROPAGATE CHOISYA TERNATA 'SUNDANCE'  FROM CUTTINGS
MEXICAN ORANGE BLOSSOM - Choisya ternata
WHEN AND HOW TO PRUNE BACK CHOISYA TERNATA

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