Choisya ternata Apple Blossom - Mexican Orange Blossom

Choisya Apple Blossom is a recent variety of Mexican Orange, which stands out for its distinctly pink-tinged bicolour flowering and its almost feathery foliage shaped into thin strips. Its small flowers, pink in buds, open into white corollas with pink reverses. They bloom abundantly in spring, sometimes in August-September, surrounded by the scent of orange blossom. The fragrance of the flowers, as well as the foliage when crushed, closely resembles that of citrus trees, as this plant belongs to the same botanical family. Choisya are excellent bushes for our gardens, both robust and drought-resistant, easy to grow in any well-drained soil and in all exposures in not too cold climates. This one, not very tall, infinitely delicate, is a real treasure for the garden or terrace.                                                               

Originating from Mexico, Choisya ternata, from which this new variety comes, belongs to the Rutaceae family, like citrus trees. The typical species, commonly known as Mexican Orange, is widespread in the mountains of Mexico, as well as in the southwest of the United States, from Arizona to Texas through New Mexico. This bush is accustomed to dry and hot climates, but its hardiness can sometimes be lacking north of the Loire, especially when young and planted in heavy soil.

Apple Blossom ('Pmoore09)', recently obtained in the United Kingdom, is a small bush that reaches an average height of 1.20m (3ft 11in) with a spread of 60cm at maturity. Its habit is bushy, rather rounded, and flexible. It bears evergreen leaves, opposite, divided into 3 or 5 very narrow leaflets, a very bright green, shiny, 6cm (2.4in) long and barely 1cm (0.4in) wide. When crushed, they release a fresh, citrusy and spicy scent, reminiscent of both orange leaf and green pepper. The flowering takes place in March-April, more or less early depending on the climate, and often continues into the second part of summer. At the tips of the branches, tight clusters of small star-shaped flowers with 5 petals appear. The white-pink flowers, with pink reverses, very fragrant, 3cm (1.2in) in diameter, are highly visited by pollinating insects.

The Apple Blossom Choisya, well-suited to Mediterranean climates, adapts well to colder climates in any light, flexible, well-drained soil and in a warm, sunny location protected from cold winds. It can be planted near an entrance or a pathway to enjoy its delicate fragrance as often as possible. It is also perfect on the terrace or balcony, planted in a large pot, but regularly fertilized and watered. It can also be used in the composition of a small free hedge, along with Escallonia, old roses, Abelia, or dwarf buddleias, for example. Despite its exotic appearance and fragrance, once established, it can withstand brief frosts of around -15°C (5 °F), as well as summer drought.