Aztec Pearl Choisya, a small flower-bearing shrub

‘Aztec Pearl’ Choisya ternata is a Mexican orange tree variety that is very interesting for its spring green foliage, but more so because it blooms 3 times a year.

Key Aztec Pearl Choisya Ternata facts

Name – Choisya ternata ‘Aztec Pearl’
Family – Rutaceae (Rue family)

Type – shrub
Height – 3 to 5 feet (1 to 1.5 m)

Exposure – full sun
Foliage – evergreen
Flowering – April to June and September

• Read also: our articles and tips on growing Mexican orange trees

Planting Choisya ternata ‘Aztec Pearl’

It is best to plant Aztec Pearl Choisya in fall for proper root development before winter but it can also be planted in spring.

Right from the start, especially if you’ve planted in spring or summer, water abundantly and regularly, albeit without flooding the roots of the shrub.

• Aztec Pearl Choisya likes sunbathed locations
• It also requires well drained soil
• It hates waterlogged soil, especially in summer
• Follow our shrub planting guidelines

Pruning and caring for Aztec Pearl Choisya

Pruning Choisya ternata ‘Aztec Pearl’

There is no standard recommendation when it comes to pruning Aztec Pearl Choisya, but if you need to reduce it or balance its branches, go ahead.

It is appealing to give it a nice shape, especially when formed as part of a hedge.

• If you’re hoping to reduce or balance its shape, avoid pruning at the end of winter, or you’ll be altering the spring blooming.
• Always wait for the end of the blooming season to prune, preferably in fall.

Watering Choisya ternata ‘Aztec Pearl’

Choisya must be watered regularly during the 1^st year that follows the date of planting.

• If properly settled in, no need to water, except if you notice leaves drooping in case of extended dry spell.
• For potted ‘Aztec Pearl’ Choisya ternata, provide for regular watering in spring and summer, as soon as the surface soil is dry.

Learn more about Aztec Pearl Choisya

The ‘Aztec Pearl’ Choisya ternata is a 1982 hybrid bred from Choisya ternata and Choisya dumosa var. Arizonica. Aztec evokes native tribes of ancient Central America, while Pearl shows how precious white the flowers are…

Whether the variety is Choisya ternata ‘Aztec Pearl’ or ‘Sundance’ or any other, these shrubs make for very easy growing and have the advantage of never growing taller than 6 to 10 feet (2 to 3 meters) tall, which means regular pruning isn’t necessary.

A small shrub with a fragrance reminiscent of orange trees, a dense shape and magnificent blooming, Choisya ternata ‘Aztec pearl’, a variety of Mexican orange tree, is native to that North American country.

The flowers, similar to those of the orange tree, are very fragrant and this shrub adapts very well to growing outdoors in the ground and to growing in pots on a terrace or balcony.