To grow a Mexican orange in a pot

What exposure for Mexican orange blossom in a pot?

Easy to grow in most regions of France, Choisya ternata tolerates temperatures down to -10 °C to -15 °C in ground, though it is more sensitive to cold in its early years. However, when grown in a pot, it suffers from temperatures as mild as -5 °C to -7 °C. Likewise, if bush tolerates summer drought well, in a pot it remains more vulnerable than in ground. Plant in morning sun or in partial shade if exposure is hotter and might scorch the foliage, and sheltered from cold winds

When to plant it?

Like all evergreen bushes, Mexican orange must be planted in spring or early autumn. In a region with a montane or continental climate, spring planting is recommended, as this gives it the whole growing season to establish.

Choisya ternata

How to pot a Mexican orange blossom (Choisya ternata) Choosing container and site - Select pot at least 30–40 cm diameter for an established specimen; increase size for larger plants. Ensure pot has drainage holes. - Place in full sun or partial shade, sheltered from cold drying winds. Choisya tolerates light shade but flowers best in sun. Potting mix and drainage - Use a free-draining, fertile compost: good-quality multipurpose compost mixed with 25–30% sharp grit or horticultural sand for improved drainage. - Add a layer (2–3 cm) of horticultural grit or broken terracotta at pot base only if drainage is poor; avoid creating a waterlogged sump. Planting - Water young plant in its nursery pot before removing. - Gently tease roots if pot-bound. Position rootball so top of rootball sits level with pot rim or about 1–2 cm below for mulching. - Backfill with mix, firm gently to remove large air pockets, but do not compact. - Water thoroughly until water drains freely. Aftercare and watering - Keep evenly moist during first growing season to help establishment. Water less frequently once established; Choisya prefers not to sit in water. - Apply a 2–3 cm mulch of compost or well-rotted bark in spring, keeping mulch away from stems. Feeding - Feed with a balanced slow-release fertiliser in early spring or top-dress with compost. Repeat lightly after flowering if growth appears weak. Pruning and flowering - Lightly prune immediately after flowering to maintain shape and encourage fresh growth; remove up to one-third of new shoots if necessary. - Avoid hard pruning into old wood where regrowth may be limited. Repotting and root management - Repot every 2–3 years into a slightly larger pot or refresh top few centimetres of compost. For plants that have become pot-bound, prune roots lightly and use fresh compost. Winter protection - Choisya is hardy but potted specimens are more exposed. Move pot to sheltered spot against south- or west-facing wall if late severe frost expected. - Insulate pot sides with horticultural fleece or bubble wrap in very cold conditions; reduce watering in winter. Pests and diseases - Generally trouble-free. Watch for scale insects, aphids or sooty mould; treat promptly with appropriate biological or horticultural products. - Good air circulation reduces risk of fungal problems. Quick checklist - Pot: 30–40 cm+ with drainage - Compost: multipurpose + 25–30% grit - Position: sun or partial shade, sheltered - Water: regular while establishing, then moderate - Feed: slow-release in spring - Prune: after flowering - Repot: every 2–3 years - Winter: shelter and insulate if severe frost With correct potting, regular but moderate watering and an annual light prune after flowering, Choisya ternata will reward with glossy evergreen foliage and fragrant white flowers each spring.

To grow a Mexican orange in a pot or tub, choose a container at least 30 to 40 cm deep and wide — roughly 30 litres, as it appreciates a large volume of soil.

Overall it prefers neutral or acidic soils, but tolerates alkaline conditions. Although this bush is not very demanding, it needs a substrate that does not dry out, is well drained and fertile.

• Before planting, soak the rootball in a bucket of water for a few minutes ;
• Meanwhile, place a 5 cm layer of clay pebbles on the bottom ;
• Cover them with a drainage fleece so the potting compost does not block the drainage hole ;
• Then mix good garden soil (or potting compost), well‑rotted compost and river sand ;
• Place the Mexican orange in the centre of the pot and fill with the substrate, then firm down and give a generous watering ;
• Apply a surface mulch to help keep the soil cool during summer.

How to care for it?

Pruning Mexican orange

Pruning is not necessary during first three years. Afterwards, Mexican orange in a pot can be lightly pruned after its first flowering between May and June to keep a compact habit and encourage a repeat flowering in autumn. To do this, remove dead or damaged branches and prune all others by half.

How to water Mexican orange?

Provide generous watering once or even twice a week in summer if very hot and dry; then gradually reduce to once a month in winter, preferably allowing substrate to dry between waterings. Finally, increase slightly with spring.

What fertiliser for Mexican orange?

Each spring, spread a little well‑rotted compost on surface of the pot. Or if you don’t have compost, use a fertiliser for flowering bushes, low in nitrogen and rich in potassium. In both cases, fork it into the surface, then water well.

When to repot Mexican orange?

Mexican orange in a pot should be repotted in early spring every two to three years, each time into a slightly larger container. If not repotted, simply add some compost to surface.

Best varieties to grow in pots?

Mexican orange blossom varieties all offer aromatic foliage and differ mainly in colours – whether in leaves or flowers :

• Choisya ternata ‘Goldfinger’, with pinkish-white flowering and golden foliage
• Choisya ternata ‘White Dazzler’, floriferous, with finely divided foliage
• Choisya ternata ‘Sundance’ and its golden-yellow foliage turning to soft green
• Choisya ternata ‘Snow Flurries’, with finely cut foliage and large, scented, white pompon-like flowers
• Choisya ternata ‘Harrinora’ and its grey-green, finely divided foliage, highlighted by white, scented flowering.
• Choisya ternata ‘Aztec Gold’, with elegant, bright leaves scented of citrus trees and green peppers.
• Choisya ternata ‘Aztec Pearl’, with magnificent leaves ranging from light green to dark green through the year and flowers tinged with pink.
• Choisya ternata ‘Scented Gem’, with flowering candy-pink in bud and white in corollas.
• Choisya ternata ‘Apple Blossom’ with beautiful pale-pink flowers and fragrant foliage when crushed.

Several things can prevent Mexican orange blossom (Choisya ternata) from flowering. Check the following points and remedies: Main causes - Insufficient light — Choisya prefers full sun to partial shade. Too much shade produces lush foliage but few flowers. Remedy: move plant to sunnier spot or prune surrounding trees/shrubs to increase light. - Incorrect pruning timing — Choisya sets flower buds on previous season’s growth. Heavy pruning in spring removes buds. Remedy: prune lightly and always immediately after flowering. - Excess nitrogen — High-nitrogen feeds or fresh manure encourage leafy growth at expense of flowers. Remedy: avoid high-N fertilisers; apply a balanced, low-N feed in early spring. - Plant too young or not established — Young plants often need 2–3 seasons to flower reliably. Remedy: patience; good care to help establish root system. - Water stress or poor drainage — Both drought and waterlogged roots reduce flowering. Remedy: ensure even moisture, improve drainage or soil structure, mulch to conserve moisture. - Rootbound in containers — Restricted roots limit flowering. Remedy: repot into larger container or refresh rootball. - Frost or bud damage — Late frost or severe winter damage can kill flower buds. Remedy: protect vulnerable plants during cold snaps; prune out frost-damaged wood in spring. - Nutrient imbalance or poor soil — Very poor or extremely alkaline/acid soils can affect flowering. Remedy: soil test if unsure, amend as needed and use balanced fertiliser. - Pests/disease or general stress — Severe pest attack, transplant shock or environmental stress can reduce blooms. Remedy: inspect for pests/disease and treat; reduce other stresses. Practical checklist to encourage flowering 1. Ensure at least partial sun (best in full sun). 2. Stop high-nitrogen feeds; apply balanced fertiliser in early spring. 3. Prune only immediately after flowering; avoid late winter/spring hard pruning. 4. Check soil moisture and drainage; mulch in spring. 5. Repot if rootbound and replace topsoil if compacted. 6. Protect from late frost; remove dead/damaged wood in spring. 7. Be patient with young plants — allow 2–3 seasons to establish. If you want, tell me: plant age, whether it’s in a pot or ground, exposure (sun/shade), and if you prune when — I can give tailored advice.

Traditionally floriferous, Choisya ternata that does not produce flowers is a sign of :

• Nutrient-poor soil: to correct this, simply add a fertiliser for flowering bushes or compost in spring ;
• Unsuitable location: it needs light to flower well! Move it to a brighter spot.
• Lack of water: when young, Mexican orange blossom requires a minimum of water – especially during long droughts. To maintain consistent moisture, simply spread a layer of mulch over the top.

If flowering is absent in first year, prune it nevertheless, then apply compost or fertiliser in spring to encourage regrowth.

Further reading

Discover our complete guide to growing Mexican orange.