Choisya x dewitteana Little Honey Bee - Mexican Orange Blossom

Choisya Little Honey Bee is a golden variant of the dwarf Mexican Orange Blossom 'Little Bee'. Both do not exceed 50 to 60 cm in all directions at maturity and have very cut and aromatic foliage. 'Little Honey Bee' displays golden yellow foliage all year round. It is covered with flowers and pollinators twice a year: in April-May and sometimes also in September-October. Its flowering with pink buds opens in pure white, and it is delicately scented. Easy to grow in any well-drained soil, it is robust and drought-resistant. This variety also withstands wet conditions well.

Mexican Orange Blossom Little Honey Bee belongs to the Rutaceae family. It is a horticultural variety derived from the Choisya x dewitteana species obtained by Alan Postill at Hillier Nurseries. The shrub reaches an average of 50 to 60 cm in all directions. Its habit is rounded and very compact, it has opposite leaves, divided into 3 to 7 very narrow, bright golden yellow leaflets. When crushed, they release a fresh, citrussy and spicy scent, reminiscent of both orange leaf and green pepper. The first flowering takes place in April-May. This variety blooms again in September-October. At the end of the branches, clusters of slightly pinkish flower buds appear. They open into star-shaped flowers with 5 petals, 2 to 3 cm in diameter. The deliciously scented flowers are very visited by pollinating insects.

Choisya 'Little Honey Bee' adapts well in any light, not too chalky, well-drained soil, in a warm, sunny location protected from cold winds. When it is young and planted in non-optimal conditions, its hardiness can be dubious in northern regions. Otherwise, it is around -15°C at its lowest for an adult plant. Mexican Orange Blossom 'Little Honey Bee' can be grown in a container on a terrace, or in a border near a high-traffic area to enjoy its fragrance. It can also be integrated in the foreground of a mixed planting with shrubs and perennials, such as roses, Abelia, Astrantia. In a contemporary garden, purple-leaved Heucheras or small ornamental grasses with blue foliage make good companions with its golden colouration. It is an asset in a small exotic-inspired garden, with Daylilies for example, its appearance and fragrance are truly exotic.