Choisya ternata Tiny Dancer - Mexican orange blossom

Choysia ternata ‘Paq1’ Tiny Dancer is a variety of Mexican orange blossom with many qualities to delight the senses. Visually, it forms a compact, more or less regular ball, with its very fine foliage being particularly graceful. It is an evergreen shrub, so its bright, glossy green vegetation is ornamental all year round. When crushed, it releases a subtle citrus fragrance. The spring flowering, in the form of charming small white star-shaped flowers, exudes a scent like orange blossom. Hardy to drought once well-rooted, it will grow in full sun or partial shade. Its compact size means it can be grown in a small garden or in a pot to adorn a balcony or terrace.

Choysia belongs to the Rutaceae family, which includes more than 150 genera, including the large group of citrus trees (Citrus and related genera) and much less well-known ornamental plants, but worthy of interest, such as the Honey Tree (Euodia danielii) or the very aromatic Sichuan Pepper (Zanthoxylum piperitum). Among the 5 to 8 species of Choysia, the most widespread in our gardens is C. ternata, known under the name of Mexican orange blossom. Identified in Mexico in 1804 by French botanist and explorer Aimé Bonpland, the plant was introduced to Europe in 1825. Native to the temperate regions of Mexico as well as the southeastern United States, it forms dense, rounded clumps 2 m tall. The shrub is now planted more widely in colder regions due to global warming. Resistant to drought once established, many cultivars with golden or very fine foliage have further increased its appeal.
Choysia ternata Tiny Dancer is appealing in more ways than one. Much more compact than the botanical species, it forms a shrub of only 50 to 80 cm in height, with an equivalent width. Its fairly regular spherical habit, which can be further refined with a few snips of pruning shears, makes it a perfect subject for a flowering pot. it is very bushy, and the fine green stems are adorned with small evergreen leaves usually consisting of three very narrow leaflets. With an intense glossy green, their form is ornamental all year round. The aromatic foliage releases a citrus fragrance when crushed. In April and May, small star-shaped flowers open, about 3 cm in diameter, generally composed of 5 spreading, pure white petals, enhanced by a heart of golden-yellow stamens. They are very numerous, grouped in small clusters (cymes), and form a superb contrast against the dark vegetation, and above all, they perfume the air with a delicate orange blossom scent. Producing nectar and a little pollen, the flowering attracts honeybees and wild bees, bumblebees and some butterflies. Thus, in addition to its beauty and fragrance, the flowering proves useful for biodiversity. Depending on the year, it will repeat-flower to a greater or lesser degree in late summer or early autumn.

Mexican orange blossom 'Tiny Dancer' is a true gem for small gardens, and its compact dimensions mean it can be grown sustainably in a pot. Tolerating heat and drought once well-rooted, it also responds well to pruning, making it possible to create a perfect ball for a flowering topiary. It is best grown in full sun, but it also tolerates partial shade, especially in the south. However, it doesn't like hard frost and cold winter winds, so it may need to be overwintered under cover, or at least protected by a thick horticultural fleece in colder regions. Its original form makes it easy to integrate into a contemporary garden or a Mediterranean-style border. Plant alongside it distinctive plants, such as Lavender 'Platinum Blonde', whose variegated foliage will create a lovely permanent contrast with the dark green of the Choysia, while its blue flowers bloom from August to November, extending the flowering period of your composition. Santolina chamaecyparissus (Silver Santolina) will bridge the two with its bright yellow flowers from July to August, while its fine silvery-grey foliage will harmonise perfectly in your display. And to bring your scene to life at the slightest breeze, add a few clumps of ornamental grasses such as Chinese fountain grasses with their decorative bottlebrush heads...