Choisya
Common name; Mexican Orange blossom
An evergreen flowering shrub that can grow to around 2m (7ft) high, with a similar spread.
The white aromatic flowers much loved by bees appear in April / May, and occasionally again, later on in the year.
The leaves are also aromatic if crushed.
They should be grown against a south facing wall in the colder areas of the UK, to reduce the effects of frost damage.
The soil pH should be neutral to acid
Week 16; Cut back any frost damaged shoots back to ground level.
Leave further thinning to after the flowering period.
Week 18; Plant out in a sunny sheltered and well drained position.
Avoid planting in areas hit by the morning sun.
Week 20; Pot up rooted cuttings taken the previous year into 100-125mm (4"-5") and grow on in a cold frame for another year.
Week 22; Normally no regular pruning is required but thinning out can be done after flowering.
Week 30; Take semi-hardwood cuttings and root them at a temperature of 16°- 18°C (60°- 65°F)
When rooted pot up into 70mm (3") pots and grow on in a cold frame until May the following year.
|