Mexican Orange Blossom Hedge (Choisya ternata)

Mexican Orange Blossom (Choisya ternata)

Mexican Orange Blossom is one of the UK's most popular evergreen flowering hedging plants, valued for its dense habit, glossy foliage and masses of highly fragrant white flowers. Native to Mexico, Choisya ternata forms a naturally rounded shrub that provides excellent year-round screening while requiring very little maintenance.

Flowering begins during spring when clusters of star-shaped white blooms cover the plant, filling the garden with a sweet citrus fragrance. Many established plants produce a lighter second flush of flowers later in the summer, extending seasonal interest.

Suitable for formal hedges, informal boundaries, wildlife gardens and mixed shrub borders, Mexican Orange Blossom adapts well to most fertile, well-drained soils and performs equally well in sunny or partially shaded positions. Its naturally compact habit also makes it an excellent choice for smaller gardens where year-round evergreen structure is required.

Pruning Advice:

Mexican Orange Blossom is easy to maintain with light annual pruning.

• Prune immediately after the main spring flowering period to encourage bushy growth and preserve next year's flower buds.
• Lightly trim new growth to maintain a neat hedge shape.
• Remove any dead, damaged or crossing branches whenever required.
• Mature plants can be renovated by cutting back up to one-third of the shrub if growth becomes woody or leggy.

Why Choose Mexican Orange Blossom?

• Evergreen Hedge: Dense glossy foliage provides attractive year-round privacy and structure.
• Highly Fragrant Flowers: Masses of white star-shaped flowers produce a sweet citrus fragrance throughout spring.
• Long Seasonal Interest: Often flowers twice, with a second lighter flush during summer.
• Low Maintenance: Easy to grow and requires only light annual pruning.
• Excellent for Pollinators: Flowers attract bees and other beneficial insects.
• Versatile Garden Plant: Perfect for hedging, borders, screening and containers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Mexican Orange Blossom evergreen?

Yes. Choisya ternata is an evergreen shrub that retains its attractive glossy green foliage throughout the year.

How fast does Mexican Orange Blossom grow?

It has an average growth rate of around 20–40cm per year, making it ideal for creating a manageable evergreen hedge.

Does Mexican Orange Blossom grow in shade?

Yes. It grows well in full sun or partial shade, although flowering is usually at its best in a sunny, sheltered position.

When does Mexican Orange Blossom flower?

The main flowering period is during spring, with many plants producing a second lighter display of fragrant white flowers in late summer.

When should Mexican Orange Blossom be pruned?

Prune immediately after the main flowering period in late spring or early summer to encourage dense growth without reducing next year's flowers.

Can Choisya ternata be grown in pots?

Yes. Mexican Orange Blossom grows well in large containers provided they have good drainage and are watered regularly during dry weather.

Delivery & Returns

Free delivery is available on most orders (except Premium Products) providing they meet the minimum spend criteria for the size of box or pallet. Pallet deliveries and large box deliveries for tall plants are indicated by icons on the product table listings. Delivery costs and minimum order details for each packaging type are as follows:

* Standard Sized Boxes (Bare root up to 1.2m tall & pots up to 7.5L) | Free UK Mainland Delivery for orders over £250 | or £9.98 charge.

* Tall Sized Boxes (Bare roots 1.2m & over) | Free UK Mainland Delivery for orders over £250 | or £24.99 charge.

* Pallets (Root balls, large pots 10L+, trees etc | Free UK Mainland Delivery for orders over £350 | or £82 charge.

* Pleached Trees (Specialist Delivery) | Free UK Mainland Delivery for orders over £1500 | or £450 charge.