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.
Plant Profile
Size & Form
Site Requirements
Ornamental Interest
Field Observations
Diseases: Regionally Documented (1)
Phenological Calendar
As of June 4, 2026, Puget Sound stations range from 2458.5 to 2700.8 GDD₃₂. Mexican Orange has passed 'bloom start' (1624 GDD₃₂).
Regional Season Tracker
GDD₃₂ accumulation across 7 Puget Sound stations · as of Jun 4, 2026| Station | GDD₃₂ | Current Stage | Next | To Go |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Issaquah / East King | 2,701 | 'Bloom start' | — | — |
| Kent / Auburn | 2,695 | 'Bloom start' | — | — |
| Seattle / UW | 2,637 | 'Bloom start' | — | — |
| Olympia / Tumwater | 2,598 | 'Bloom start' | — | — |
| Tacoma / Puyallup | 2,564 | 'Bloom start' | — | — |
| Bellingham / Whatcom | 2,560 | 'Bloom start' | — | — |
| Sequim / Rain Shadow | 2,459 | 'Bloom start' | — | — |
View full calendar (1 stages)
| Stage | GDD32 | Typical Window |
|---|---|---|
| ● 'Bloom start' BBCH '61' NOW | 1624 Observed | 'Late April' |
Source: 'Field observation, Kent, WA, 2026-04-27' About GDD₃₂ →
Season tracker for Kent / Auburn as of Jun 4, 2026. Predicted dates use 16-day weather forecast through Jun 20, 2026, then climate normals.