Mexican Orange Blossom

Mexican Orange Blossom (Choisya ternata) is an evergreen shrub about 2m tall and wide, with glossy, slightly aromatic leaves and white, sweetly scented flowers through the warmer months. It makes a neat, clippable hedge or a fragrant feature shrub, and it is hardy to around -5C. That makes it a scented alternative to murraya for frosty gardens.

Why you'll love it

• Scented white flowers. The blossom is sweetly fragrant through the warmer months, and the glossy leaves release a light aroma when brushed.
• Evergreen structure. Glossy foliage stays on the plant all year, so it works as a screen in winter too.
• Frost hardy. It copes with temperatures down to around -5C, especially in a sheltered spot, so cold districts can have a scented hedge.
• Right size for courtyards. At 2m tall and wide it has presence without needing the space of a large screen.
• Easy soil. Any well drained soil suits it, in full sun or part shade.

Where it works best

Hedging. Plant 1m apart in a single row and clip after flowering to keep a dense hedge of 1.5m to 2m. The glossy foliage looks neat and formal when trimmed.

Courtyards and entries. Plant it near a door, window or seat, where the scent can be enjoyed. In a sheltered courtyard the fragrance of the flowers lingers and is better appreciated.

Scented and feature plantings. Use it as a single shrub or in groups of three, with lavender and other fragrant plants beside it.

Growing Mexican Orange Blossom in Australia

Position and climate. Full sun gives the most flowers, though it tolerates part shade where it may flower less. It is frost hardy to around -5C and at home in temperate, cool and Mediterranean gardens. In hot, humid regions it is less comfortable, and murraya is the better scented hedge there.

Soil. Any well drained soil is fine. Avoid sites that stay waterlogged.

Water and feed. Mulch and water regularly until established, usually around 12 weeks. Apply a slow release fertiliser in spring.

Pruning. Prune as required after flowering to maintain the shape you want. Light, regular clipping suits a hedge.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Mexican Orange Blossom as tube stock, in 140mm pots in packs of 10 and in 200mm pots in packs of 6. A tube is a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly and is the economical way to plant a hedge. The potted packs arrive with more leaf and give a faster screen.

Our tube stock is supplied by our grower, so it comes and goes. If the tube shows as sold out, the grower has none at the moment: press the notify button on this page and we will email you the day it returns.

Plants are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Hedging and screening plants
• Fragrant plants
• Murraya for warm, frost free gardens
• Frost hardy plants

Common questions

Is Mexican Orange Blossom a good hedge?

Yes, as long as the site is not hot and humid. It is evergreen, glossy and clippable, and it grows to about 2m. Plant 1m apart and clip after flowering.

When does it flower?

Through the warmer months, with sweetly scented white flowers. It flowers more in full sun and less in part shade.

Can it replace murraya?

In frosty districts, yes. It is hardy to around -5C and is a good scented alternative. In warm, frost free gardens, murraya is the better choice.