Mexican orange blossom Choisya ternata
Mexican orange blossom (Choisya ternata) is an evergreen perennial shrub in the Rutaceae family, native to Mexico and the southwestern United States. It grows 1.5–2.5 m (4.9–8.2 ft) tall and 1.5–2.5 m (4.9–8.2 ft) wide, wants part sun to part shade and moderate water, and is hardy to about -12 °C (10 °F). Space plants about 1.5 m (4.9 ft) apart.
Plan Mexican orange blossom in your garden →
Free. Draw your beds, then watch it grow through the year in 2D and 3D.
Mexican orange blossom at a glance
| Type | Perennial shrub, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Rutaceae |
| Mature height | 1.5–2.5 m (4.9–8.2 ft) |
| Mature spread | 1.5–2.5 m (4.9–8.2 ft) |
| Spacing | 1.5 m (4.9 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Part sun to part shade, at least 5 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance low, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 5.5–7.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About -12 °C (10 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 8) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 32 °C (90 °F) |
| Flowering | from about May for 4–8 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | Moderate |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Mexico and the southwestern United States |
| Common in gardens of | 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇲🇽 Mexico |
Is Mexican orange blossom toxic?
- People: not well documented
- Cats: not well documented
- Dogs: not well documented
No poisonings are documented, but the aromatic foliage may irritate sensitive skin.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Mexican orange blossom
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like part sun to part shade and moderate water.
Keep apart or take care
- caution With Sweet orange: Asian citrus psyllid spreads huanglongbing (citrus greening) between citrus and relatives such as orange jasmine (Murraya). Keep new citrus away from infected or neglected hosts. Evidence B
Questions about Mexican orange blossom
- How far apart should I plant Mexican orange blossom?
- About 1.5 m (4.9 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 1.5–2.5 m (4.9–8.2 ft).
- Does Mexican orange blossom need full sun?
- Part sun to part shade: at least 5 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Mexican orange blossom need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is low and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Mexican orange blossom?
- It tolerates about -12 °C (10 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 8.
- When does Mexican orange blossom flower?
- From about May for 4–8 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Mexican orange blossom poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not well documented; for dogs not well documented; for people not well documented. No poisonings are documented, but the aromatic foliage may irritate sensitive skin.
- What grows well with Mexican orange blossom?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Mexican orange blossom. Group it with plants that like the same sun (part sun to part shade) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade C (C: plausible, mixed evidence).
- RHS Plant Finder, Royal Horticultural Society
- Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder, Missouri Botanical Garden
Notes and assumptions
- Typical garden-form values; cultivars and local conditions differ.
- Main flush of fragrant flowers in late spring with a lighter repeat in early autumn; foliage can scorch in cold winds and hard frost.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Lemon tree (dwarf) Citrus limon
- Curry tree Murraya koenigii
- Kaffir lime Citrus hystrix
- Common rue Ruta graveolens
- Sweet orange Citrus x sinensis
- Mandarin orange Citrus reticulata
- Persian lime Citrus x latifolia
- Key lime Citrus x aurantiifolia