How to Grow Choisya - Plant Care & Tips

By NorwichGardener Team   /   2024

Choisya is a genus within the rue family that contains six species of fragrant, evergreen shrubs. The name is derived from the Greek word for a kind of laurel.

How to Grow Choisya - Plant Care & Tips

Alternative name

  • Mexican Orange
  • Orange Blossom
  • Sweet Orange
  • Bigaradia
  • evergreen

Good to Know

  • Choisya is a genus of evergreen shrubs in the Rutaceae family.
  • The plants are native to southwestern North America, from California to Texas.
  • Common names for Choisya include Mexican orange and Mexican orange blossom.
  • The plants are commonly grown as ornamental shrubs.
  • Choisya are fast-growing plants that can reach a height of 6-10 feet.
  • The leaves are dark green and glossy, and the flowers are white or pale pink.
  • Choisya are drought-tolerant plants that prefer full sun to partial shade.
  • The plants are propagated by seed, cuttings, or division.
  • Common pests and diseases of Choisya include aphids, scale, and root rot.
  • Choisya are generally considered to be low-maintenance plants.

Related plant:
Choisya Ternata Aztec Pearl

How to Grow

  1. For choisya, first step is to find a location that gets plenty of sunlight.
  2. Prepare the soil by loosening it and adding some organic matter.
  3. Choose a container that is at least 12 inches wide and deep.
  4. Fill the container with potting mix and water it well.
  5. Place the choisya plant in the center of the container.
  6. Backfill around the plant with potting mix, being sure to firm it in around the roots.
  7. Water the plant well.
  8. Place the container in a sunny location.
  9. Fertilize the plant every few weeks during the growing season.
  10. Prune the plant as needed to shape it and encourage new growth.

Considering the Soil

About soil condition, it prefers well-drained soil, sandy to gravelly. It grows in light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. In the wild, it is found in dry washes and on slopes in chaparral and oak-woodland habitats.

Light requirement

Just like other Chaisyas, the Sundance Chaisyas (Choisya Sundance) are drought-resistant and do best in full sun to partial shade. They can tolerate some shade, but will bloom less and may become leggy. The Sundance Chaisyas have a tidy, compact growth habit and make excellent landscape plants.

The Temperature

The temperature condition that is best for growing choisya is one that is warm but not too hot. This plant does not like it when the temperature gets too high. It is best to plant choisya in an area where the temperature will be between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit.

Humidity Aspect

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is 50%. If the humidity conditions are below this, the leaves will start to drop. If the humidity conditions are above this, the leaves will start to turn yellow.

Fertilizer Requirement

Mentioning fertilizer, usually the plant that comes to our minds is a blooming one. Fertilizer can give plants the much-needed nutrients to grow strong and produce vibrant flowers. The Choisya, orMexican Orange Blossom, is one of those plants that benefits from regular fertilization. A native to Mexico, the Choisya is an evergreen shrub that produces white, fragrant flowers. The blooms appear in late spring and early summer, and the foliage has a glossy, dark green hue.

About light

Pruning is essential to the health and appearance of Choisya plants. Pruning allows the plant to direct its energy into new growth, resulting in a fuller, more attractive plant. To prune your Choisya, start by removing any dead, diseased, or damaged branches. Next, cut back any overgrown or leggy branches to the desired length. Finally, shape the plant by trimming any stray branches.

About Propagating

Propagation is the process of creating new plants from a variety of sources. Choisya can be propagated from seed, cuttings, or division. Seed: Seed propagation is the most common method of propagation for choisya. The seeds can be sown directly in the ground or started indoors in pots. Cuttings: Cuttings can be taken from both new growth and mature wood. The cuttings should be 8-10 inches long and placed in a rooting hormone before being planted in a pot filled with moist potting mix. Division: Division can be done in the spring or fall. The plant should be carefully dug up and the roots divided into sections. Each section should have at least one bud or stem. The sections should be replanted in well-drained soil.

Growth Speed

Usually, the plant growth rate depends on the species. The common species, Choisya ternata, has a growth rate of approximately 24 to 36 inches per year. The more unusual species, such as the desert rose, can grow up to 48 inches per year. In general, however, most species have a moderate to fast growth rate.

Common Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant plants include leaf spot, root rot, powdery mildew, and stem borers. Leaf spot is caused by fungi or bacteria and can cause the leaves to turn yellow, brown, or black. Root rot is caused by fungi and can kill the plant. Powdery mildew is caused by fungi and can cause the leaves to become covered in a white powder. Stem borers are insects that bore into the stems of the plant and can cause the plant to die.

Growing Tips

  • Make sure to choose a planting spot that has well-drained soil and receives full sun.
  • Dig a hole that is twice the size of the root ball.
  • Amend the soil with compost or organic matter before planting.
  • Water the plant deeply immediately after planting.
  • Apply a layer of mulch around the base of the plant to help with moisture retention.
  • Prune choisya plants regularly to encourage new growth and to keep them from becoming leggy.
  • Fertilize the plants a few times throughout the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.
  • Keep an eye out for pests and diseases, and treat accordingly if needed.
  • Deadhead the flowers regularly to encourage more blooming.
  • Overwinter choisya plants by covering them with a layer of mulch or bringing them indoors.

Substitution

  • Choisya arizonica
  • Choisya mulleri
  • Choisya serotina
  • Choisya ternata
  • Choisya australis
  • Choisya glaucophylla
  • Choisya villosa
  • Choisya gratissima
  • Choisya macrophylla
  • Choisya dumosa

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