Choisya x dewitteana Greenfingers

Choisya Green Fingers 'Lissfing' is a beautiful improvement of the Mexican Orange Blossom 'Aztec Pear' which it surpasses in terms of vigour and overall appearance. It is a rounded bush with nicely palmate, well-furnished, evergreen foliage, which comes alive with young, bright green leaves in spring. Small clusters of pink buds bloom into white, fragrant flowers in spring and again, less abundantly, in late summer or early autumn. The Mexican Orange Blossom adapts to any well-drained soil and all exposures, but it is more floriferous in the sun, in soft and deep soil.

Choisya Green Fingers is a horticultural creation by Peter Catt from Liss Forest Nursery in Great Britain. The species, Choisya ternata, is a shrub native to Mexico that belongs to the rutaceae family, like citrus trees. This species is widespread in the mountains of Mexico, but also in the southwest of the United States, from Arizona to Texas through New Mexico. Adapted to dry and hot climates, its hardiness can sometimes be lacking further north, especially when it is young and planted in heavy soil. This plant is also sensitive to Phytophthora, a fungus that develops at the collar level in soils that are both warm and humid.

Green Fingers is a large bush, of medium growth rate depending on the conditions, which reaches a height of between 1.75 m and 2 m with a slightly larger spread. Its habit is naturally rounded, dense and regular. It bears opposite leaves, divided into several narrow, shiny, 3 to 5 cm long leaflets. Their colour ranges from light green to bright green. When crushed, they release a fresh, rustic and spicy scent, reminiscent of orange leaf and green pepper. Flowering takes place between March and late April, earlier or later depending on the climate, and often again in the second half of summer, or even October in Mediterranean climates. At the end of the branches, compact clusters of pearly pink floral buds appear. They open into small 4 cm diameter flowers with 5 white petals. They are highly fragrant and very attractive to pollinating insects. 

Choisya ternata 'Green Fingers' is well-suited to Mediterranean or mild oceanic climates but adapts well further north provided it is given light, loose, well-drained soil and a sheltered, sunny spot protected from cold winds. It can be planted as a solitary specimen near an entrance or pathway to enjoy its delicate fragrance as often as possible. It is also perfect on a terrace or balcony, planted in a large container, regularly fertilised and watered. You can also plant it in a low hedge, alongside Escallonia, Photinia 'Devil's Dream', Abelias and compact lilacs, for example. Despite its exotic appearance and fragrance, once established, it can withstand brief frosts of around -15°C, as well as severe summer drought.