Mexican Orange
'Bloom start'Choisya ternata
Rutaceae · broadleaf evergreen shrub · introduced
Last updated
Mexican orange (Choisya ternata, Rutaceae) is a broadleaf evergreen shrub from the southwestern United States and Mexico, reaching 5 to 8 feet tall with a dense, rounded form. Trifoliate leaves (three glossy leaflets) emit a basil-like aromatic odor when crushed. Fragrant white flowers appear in terminal corymbs over an extended bloom period from May through September, with some repeat flowering.
Mexican orange grows in full sun on well-drained, acid, moist soil with shelter from cold winter winds, hardy in Zones 7a to 8b. It is rabbit-resistant and becomes drought tolerant once established. Prune after flowering. Ramorum leaf blight and shoot dieback is the primary disease concern; root and crown rot may occur in poor drainage. The cultivar 'Sundance' offers golden foliage at 5 feet.
Quick Facts
Field Observations
Phenological Calendar
As of May 15, 2026, Puget Sound stations range from 1942.5 to 2137.2 GDD₃₂. Mexican Orange has passed 'bloom start' (1624 GDD₃₂).
Regional Season Tracker
GDD₃₂ accumulation across 7 Puget Sound stations · as of May 15, 2026| Station | GDD₃₂ | Current Stage | Next | To Go |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Issaquah / East King | 2,137 | 'Bloom start' | — | — |
| Kent / Auburn | 2,130 | 'Bloom start' | — | — |
| Seattle / UW | 2,102 | 'Bloom start' | — | — |
| Olympia / Tumwater | 2,064 | 'Bloom start' | — | — |
| Tacoma / Puyallup | 2,033 | 'Bloom start' | — | — |
| Bellingham / Whatcom | 2,012 | 'Bloom start' | — | — |
| Sequim / Rain Shadow | 1,943 | 'Bloom start' | — | — |
| Stage | GDD32 | Typical Window |
|---|---|---|
| ● 'Bloom start' BBCH '61' NOW | 1624 | 'Late April' |
Source: 'Field observation, Kent, WA, 2026-04-27' About GDD₃₂ →
Season tracker for Kent / Auburn as of May 15, 2026. Predicted dates use 16-day weather forecast through May 31, 2026, then climate normals.