Mexican orange is a compact, rounded evergreen shrub native to the southwestern U.S. and Mexico, prized for its glossy, aromatic foliage and fragrant white flowers. Hardy in zones 7 through 10, it typically reaches 4 to 8 feet tall and wide, though some sources report up to 8 feet in each direction. The plant's trifoliate leaves have a distinctive citrus scent, and its star-shaped, white flowers bloom prolifically from late spring through early fall, creating a stunning focal point in any garden. Once established, it tolerates drought, deer, and poor soils, while remaining virtually pest and disease-free.
Partial Sun
Moderate
7-10
96in H x 96in W
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Moderate
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The fragrance alone makes this shrub exceptional; brush against its aromatic leaves and you'll understand why it's prized across the Southwest. Its white flowers bloom for months from late spring into fall, and deer leave it untouched. Even more impressive is its toughness: established plants handle drought gracefully, thrive in rocky or shallow soils, and require no serious pest management. This is a plant that asks little and delivers generously.
Mexican orange functions beautifully as a flowering hedge, where its compact rounded form and dense foliage create a living screen while its fragrant white blossoms provide months of visual interest. The aromatic leaves make it a sensory addition to gardens where passersby can brush against it and enjoy the citrus-scented foliage.
No timeline data available yet for this variety.
Prune Mexican orange as needed after flowering to maintain its naturally compact, rounded form. The plant responds well to pruning and can be shaped to suit your hedge or border design.
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“Choisya ternata is native to the southwestern U.S., particularly Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona, as well as much of Mexico, where it grows on dry, rocky slopes and scrublands. The plant has long been valued in these regions for its aromatic qualities and ornamental appeal. Over time, Mexican orange found its way into cultivation in temperate gardens where winter conditions permit, becoming a cornerstone shrub for gardeners seeking drought-tolerant, fragrant evergreens.”