Also known as Mexican Orange · 14 gardener saves
Choisya: the varieties gardeners actually grow
Choisya, the genus most gardeners know as mexican orange. We track 3 varieties; these are the ones gardeners actually save and plant, ranked by real saves rather than catalog marketing. Each links to full care, bloom, and live price data.
The 3 most-saved Choisya varieties
Of 3 in the catalog — ordered by how many gardeners actually grow them.
#1 most savedMexican Orange Blossom
Choisya ternata
#2 most savedMexican Orange
Choisya ternata 'Lich'
#3 most saved'Limo' Mexican Orange
Choisya x dewitteana 'Limo'
How to grow Choisya
What the Choisya varieties in our catalog actually agree on — drawn from the care records of the 3 most-grown of them, not from a generic template.
The Choisya year
- MulchMarch100% of varieties
Refresh mulch layer to retain moisture and regulate soil temp
- PruneMay and June100% of varieties
Lightly shape and prune immediately after the main spring bloom
- FertilizeMarch100% of varieties
Apply a balanced slow-release fertilizer as new growth begins
- PlantMarch and September67% of varieties
Plant in spring or early fall for best establishment
- Spring CleanupFebruary67% of varieties
Remove any winter-damaged or dead foliage
Do
- Prune after flowering to shape the shrub
- Mulch to retain soil moisture
- Water regularly during dry spells 🌱
- Water regularly during dry periods 🌱
- Feed with balanced fertilizer in spring
Avoid
- Avoid overwatering in winter ❌
- Don’t prune in late fall
- Avoid heavy fertilization late in the season
- Overwater to prevent root rot ❌
What goes wrong with Choisya
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Scale insects | Bumps on stems and leaves | Apply horticultural oil during dormant season |
| Aphids | Sticky residue and distorted leaves | Use insecticidal soap or neem oil |
| Root rot | Wilting and yellowing leaves | Improve drainage and reduce watering |
Making more Choisya
Cuttings
- Take semi-hardwood cuttings in late summer.
- Dip cuttings in rooting hormone.
- Plant in moist, well-drained soil.
- Keep humid and warm for 6 weeks.
Dividing
- Dig up mature shrub in early spring.
- Separate into smaller clumps with roots intact.
- Replant immediately into prepared soil.
Choisya questions
How many types of Choisya are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 3 distinct Choisya varieties. The most popular — ranked by 14 real gardener saves — are shown first above.
What zones does Choisya grow in?
Across its varieties, Choisya covers USDA Zones 7–10. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
When does Choisya bloom?
Most Choisya varieties bloom in late spring. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Choisya should I choose?
Start from the most-saved varieties above — popularity across thousands of gardens is a strong signal of reliability — then filter by your zone and sun. In the Sow app you can preview any of them in a photo of your actual yard before you buy.
Keep exploring
Choisya shows up in
By hardiness zone
Design with Choisya in your own yard
Snap a photo of your space and see these varieties planted in it — sized correctly, matched to your zone, with care reminders included.
