Choisya ternata Sundance - Mexican orange blossom

Choisya ternata 'Sundance' is a variety of Mexican Orange. It is a compact bush with a rounded habit and evergreen foliage, aromatic, golden yellow in spring and then tender green, making it a bright focal point in the garden. The small pure white flowers, delicately scented, bloom in spring and again in autumn. It is an excellent bush for our gardens, robust and drought-resistant, easy to grow in any well-drained soil and in all exposures in a not-too-cold climate.

The Mexican Orange 'Sundance' is a horticultural variety whose species is native to Mexico, it belongs to the Rutaceae family, like citrus trees. Sundance is a small bush that reaches an average height of 2m (6.6ft) with a spread of 1.50m (3.3ft). Its rounded and compact habit bears evergreen, opposite leaves, divided into 3 or 5 leaflets, shiny, 6cm (2.4in) long and golden. When crushed, they release a strong scent of orange peel. At the end of spring, star-shaped white flowers, 3cm (1.2in) in diameter, appear, giving off a delicate and pleasant fragrance that attracts many pollinating insects. The flowering often repeats in September-October. It is also noted for its good hardiness once well established, below -15°C (5°F).

Choisya ternata 'Sundance' adapts well in any light and not too chalky soil, well-drained, in a warm, sunny and position, sheltered from cold winds. After the first flowering, light pruning helps maintain a compact habit and promote a second flowering in autumn, although it also occurs naturally. Mexican Orange 'Sundance' can be planted as a standalone in a strategic location to enjoy its delicate fragrance or as a natural hedge with a spacing of 80cm (31.5in). It is also easy to grow in a container on a terrace. It is an asset in an exotic garden with its appearance and scent.