How to Grow Choisya Aztec Gold - Plant Care & Tips

By NorwichGardener Team / 2025

Choisya aztec gold is a plant that is native to Mexico. It is a perennial shrub that can grow to be about 3-4 feet tall. The leaves of the plant are a golden yellow color and are very fragrant. The flowers of the plant are white and have a sweet smell. The plant blooms in the spring and summer months.

How to Grow Choisya Aztec Gold - Plant Care & Tips

Also called

Choisya ternata Sundance
Choisya arizonica Golden Coyote
Choisya dumosa Desert Orange
Choisya limprichtii Apricot Mango
Choisya macrophylla Bigleaf Choisya

Common Knowledge

Choisya aztec gold, also known as Mexican orange, is a perennial shrub native to Mexico.
It is a member of the Rutaceae family, which includes other orange-flowered plants such as rue and citronella.
The shrub grows to a height of 3-6 feet and has dark green, glossy leaves.
The flowers are white, daisy-like blooms that appear in late spring or early summer.
The fruit is a small, orange-yellow berry that ripens in autumn.
Choisya aztec gold is tolerant of a wide range of soils and prefers full sun to partial shade.
It is relatively drought-tolerant once established, but will benefit from regular watering during prolonged periods of dry weather.
The shrub is relatively pest- and disease-free, although it can be susceptible to scale insects and root rot.
It is an attractive plant for use in borders, foundation plantings, and as a hedge.
Choisya aztec gold can be propagated from seed, softwood cuttings, or semi-ripe cuttings.

Related plant:
Choisya Ternata Aztec Pearl

Planting Process

For choisya aztec gold, first step is to choose the right type of pot or container. The pot should have drainage holes at the bottom to allow excess water to drain out.
Fill the pot with a well-draining potting mix. You can use a commercial potting mix or make your own by mixing together equal parts of perlite, vermiculite, and garden soil.
Water the potting mix until it is evenly moist but not soggy.
Place the choisya aztec gold plant in the pot and backfill around it with the potting mix. Firm the mix gently around the base of the plant.
Water the plant well to help settle the potting mix around the roots.
Place the pot in a bright location but out of direct sunlight.
Keep the potting mix evenly moist but not soggy. Water as needed to keep the mix from drying out.
Fertilize the plant every few weeks with a balanced liquid fertilizer during the growing season.
Prune the plant as needed to shape it or remove any damaged or overgrown branches.
Enjoy your beautiful choisya aztec gold plant!

Related plant:
Choisya Goldfingers

The Soil

About soil condition, the best condition for Choisya aztec gold is well-drained soil mix with organic matter. The plant does not like to sit in wet, waterlogged soils so make sure the planting area has good drainage. If your soil is heavy clay, this is not the plant for you. Also, the plant is not drought tolerant so make sure to keep the soil moist during drought conditions.

Light condition

Just like other Choisya species, the 'Aztec Gold' requires full sun to partial shade for optimal growth. It can tolerate more sun in colder regions and needs some afternoon shade in hotter ones. It grows best in rich, well-drained soil that's kept moist.

Good Temperature

The temperature condition that is most ideal for growing Choisya aztec gold is one that is warm and sunny. This plant does best in full sun to partial shade and requires well-drained soil. If the conditions are too cold or too hot, the plant will not thrive. daytime temperatures that are too high can also cause the leaves to turn yellow.

Humidity Level

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is around 50%-60%. However, it can tolerate lower humidity conditions down to around 40%. If the humidity drops below 40% for an extended period of time, the leaves will start to drop and the plant will go into dormancy.

The Fertilizer

About fertilizer, this plant does best with a low nitrogen fertilizer. An all-purpose fertilizer with a low first number such as 5-10-5 or 8-8-8 can be used. Apply fertilizer sparingly in early spring and avoid getting any on the leaves to prevent leaf burn.

About light

Pruning is an important part of keeping your Choisya aztec gold healthy and vibrant. Pruning not only helps to remove dead or dying leaves and branches, but it also helps to encourage new growth. When pruning, be sure to remove any damaged or diseased leaves and branches first. Then, cut back any overgrown or leggy branches. Finally, trim back any branches that are rubbing against each other.

Plant Propagation

Propagation is best accomplished through stem cuttings taken in late spring. Cuttings should be taken from firm, new growth that is just beginning to harden off. Cuttings should be 4-6 inches long and should include at least 2-3 nodes. The bottom node should be buried in the growing medium and the remaining nodes should be above the surface. Cuttings can be rooted in a variety of media including perlite, vermiculite, sand, or a mix of all three. After rooting, the cuttings can be transplanted into individual pots or into the garden.

Plant Growth

Usually, the plant growth rate when they are young. They can put on 3 to 5 feet of new growth each year. Once they are established, their growth rate slows down some. They may only add a foot or two of new growth each year.

Common Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are mainly leaf diseases, such as powdery mildew, leaf spot, and rust. These can be controlled with routine fungicide sprays. Another problem that can occur is root rot, which is often caused by over-watering. This can be controlled by making sure the plant has good drainage and by not watering it too often.