shrub RHS Award

Aztec Pearl Mexican Orange Blossom

Choisya × dewitteana 'Aztec Pearl'

The Story

Plant Bio

Choisya is a genus of aromatic, evergreen shrubs in the rue family, native to the southwestern United States and Mexico. They are grown for their rounded, bushy habits, fragrant star-shaped flowers, and palmate foliage that releases a citrus scent when bruised.

'Aztec Pearl' is a hybrid cultivar distinguished by its deeply divided, linear leaflets that resemble narrow fingers. The white flowers emerge from shell-pink buds in late spring, offering a stronger scent and better drought tolerance than the parent species.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides year-round structure with glossy, finely textured evergreen foliage and fragrant white flowers.

Offers excellent drought tolerance once established and resists browsing by deer due to aromatic oils.

Attracts bees and other beneficial pollinating insects with its nectar-rich spring blooms.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

72"

Width

72"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

7, 8, 9, 10

Water

Moderate

Humidity

Moderate

Lifespan

15-20 years

Native To

United Kingdom (cultivar origin)

Toxicity

Toxic to pets and skin irritant

Bloom period

Late spring – Early summer

In flower about 2 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site with full sun to partial shade and excellent soil drainage.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and set the plant at the same depth as its container.
Water thoroughly at planting, then establish a moderate watering schedule, allowing the soil to dry between waterings.
Apply a light layer of organic mulch around the base, keeping it clear of the main stems to prevent rot.

Pro Tip

Prune immediately after the spring flowering flush, restricting cuts to the leafy green or semi-ripe wood; cutting back into old, bare interior wood prevents regeneration.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Plant in highly permeable soil to ensure sharp drainage.
Prune lightly every year after the primary spring bloom.
Protect young plants from heavy winter winds in northern zones.

Don't

Do not allow the roots to sit in waterlogged soil or standing water.
Do not cut back into old, leafless brown wood.
Do not over-fertilize with high-nitrogen feeds, which reduces flowering.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Fertilize
Pest Check
Prune
Winter Prep

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Mixed shrub bordersCourtyard gardensLow informal hedgingCoastal plantings

Companion Plants

Lavandula angustifolia Salvia officinalis Rosmarinus officinalis Cistus

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Aztec Pearl Mexican Orange Blossom questions

What zones can Aztec Pearl Mexican Orange Blossom grow in?

Aztec Pearl Mexican Orange Blossom is hardy in USDA Zones 7–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Aztec Pearl Mexican Orange Blossom deer resistant?

Yes — Aztec Pearl Mexican Orange Blossom is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Aztec Pearl Mexican Orange Blossom bloom?

Aztec Pearl Mexican Orange Blossom typically blooms in late spring through early summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Aztec Pearl Mexican Orange Blossom need full sun?

Aztec Pearl Mexican Orange Blossom does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Aztec Pearl Mexican Orange Blossom drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Aztec Pearl Mexican Orange Blossom handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.