Also known as Astrophyllum · Choisya · Dove's Dung
Mexican orange (Choisya ternata) is a fragrant evergreen shrub with glossy, dark green leaves and clusters of white, star-shaped flowers resembling orange blossoms.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Full Sun to Partial Shade
50% intensity
Prefers full sun for best flowering, but tolerates partial shade.
Moderate
50% intensity
Keep soil consistently moist, allow slight drying between waterings, ensure good drainage.
Well-drained soil
50% intensity
Moderate
50% intensity
Prefers temperatures between 15-24°C during the day and cooler at night. Can tolerate light frost.
Outdoor
50% intensity
Moderate
50% intensity
Feed during spring and summer growing season.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | No 0/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | No 0/5 intensity |
| Edible | No |
None
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Keep the soil consistently moist during the growing season, but avoid waterlogging. Reduce watering in winter, allowing the top few centimeters of soil to dry out between waterings.
Ensure good drainage to prevent root rot. Overwatering is a common issue.
Prune after flowering in late spring or early summer to maintain shape and encourage denser growth. Remove any dead, damaged, or crossing branches.
Light pruning can also be done in early spring before new growth appears to shape the plant.
Easily propagated from semi-hardwood cuttings taken in summer. Insert cuttings into a well-draining seed compost or perlite mix and keep moist and warm in a propagator or under plastic.
Rooting typically occurs within 4-6 weeks.
Repot young plants annually in spring to refresh the soil and provide more space. Mature plants can be repotted every 2-3 years, or when root-bound. Use a good quality, well-draining potting mix.
Ensure the new pot has drainage holes.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Mexican Orange (Choisya ternata)
Where Mexican Orange (Choisya ternata) is found
Density
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Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Sapindales |
| Family | Rutaceae |
| Genus | Choisya |
| Species | Choisya ternata |
Similar in genus Choisya
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
