Choysia arizonica x ternata "Aztec Pearl"

Choisya is a small genus of aromatic evergreen shrubs from the southwestern United States and Mexico, kin to citrus in the rue family, and Choisya 'Aztec Pearl' is the garden world's favorite of the tribe. The hybrid, a cross between Choisya arizonica and Choisya ternata, was raised by Peter Moore at Longstock Park Nursery in England, and the selection has proved hardier, more heat tolerant, and altogether easier in the garden than either parent.

The appeal is twofold. The foliage is fine and distinctive: glossy, dark green leaves cut into narrow, finger-like leaflets in a palmate fan, aromatic when brushed or crushed, betraying the citrus kinship at once. Then, in spring and often again in fall, pink-tinged buds open to clusters of white, star-shaped flowers with a sweet, orange-blossom fragrance that draws bees, the very scent behind the genus's common name, Mexican orange.

In the garden, 'Aztec Pearl' is a neat, rounded, well-behaved evergreen for the front or middle of a sunny border, a foundation planting, or a large container, holding good form with little fuss. Site where the fragrance can be met in passing, near a path, a doorway, or a seating area, and pair with other sun lovers in well-drained ground. The fine texture and year-round green make the shrub a quiet, dependable foil for showier, looser neighbors.