Choisya ternata Scented Gem - Mexican Orange Blossom

Choisya Scented Gem is a new variety of Mexican Orange Blossom that was highly regarded at the Salon du Végétal in 2017. It stands out with its bicolour pink and white flowering in spring, which often continues into late summer. The flowers form graceful clusters, with pale pink buds and beautiful white flowers that are pleasantly fragrant. Elegant and naturally rounded, the bush also has beautiful dark green palmate foliage that perfectly showcases the flowering. The scent of the flowers, as well as the crushed leaves, strongly resembles that of citrus trees, as this plant belongs to the same botanical family. Choisya are excellent bushes for our gardens, being both robust and drought-resistant, and easy to grow in any well-drained soil and in all exposures in climates that are not too cold. This one is a superb novelty, to be planted in the garden or in a pot on the terrace.

Choisya Scented Gem was created by Peter Catt of Liss Forest Nurseries in England. It is a hybrid whose exact parentage is currently unknown, but it possesses the genes of Choisya ternata, commonly known as the Mexican Orange Blossom. This species is found in the mountains of Mexico, as well as in the southwestern United States, from Arizona to Texas through New Mexico. All of these plants belong to the Rutaceae family, like citrus trees. These bushes, whose foliage persists throughout the year, are accustomed to dry and hot climates, but their hardiness can sometimes be lacking north of the Loire River, especially when they are young, planted in heavy soil, and exposed to strong winds.

Scented Gem ('Lissbrid') is a small bush with a flexible, rounded, and spreading habit, averaging 1.35m (4ft 5in) in all directions at maturity. It bears opposite leaves divided into 3 to 7 narrow leaflets, which are shorter than those of its parent. They are shiny and dark green. When crushed, they emit a fresh, citrusy, and spicy scent, reminiscent of both orange leaves and green peppers. Flowering takes place in May-June, earlier or later depending on the climate, and often continues sporadically in the second part of summer. At the tips of the branches, clusters of 8 to 10cm (3.1 to 3.9in) in diameter appear, tightly packed with pink flower buds. They open into 5-petalled star-shaped flowers, measuring 3 to 4cm (1.2 to 1.6in) in diameter. The deliciously fragrant flowers are highly attractive to pollinating insects.

Choisya Scented Gem, perfectly suited to Mediterranean or mild oceanic climates, adapts well north of the Loire River in any light, well-drained, and flexible soil, in a warm, sunny location sheltered 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 ideal on the terrace or balcony, planted in a large pot but regularly fertilized and watered. It can also be used in a small informal hedge, along with Escallonia, old roses, Caryopteris (Heavenly Blue, Sterling Silver), or dwarf abelias, for example. Its white and pink flowering is enhanced by the coppery young leaves of Photinia Little Red Robin, Pittosporum 'Purpureum', or certain roses. Despite its exotic appearance and fragrance, once established, it can withstand brief frost down to -12°C (10.4 °F), as well as long dry periods in summer.