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Description
Choisya dumosa, commonly known as Mexican orange, is a popular flowering shrub native to Mexico. It belongs to the Rutaceae family and is known for its fragrant white flowers that bloom in the spring and summer.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Sapindales |
| Family | Rutaceae |
| Genus | Choisya |
Appearance
Choisya dumosa is a compact, evergreen shrub that can grow up to 6 feet tall and wide. Its leaves are glossy, dark green, and fragrant when crushed. The flowers are white, star-shaped, and highly fragrant, with a diameter of about 1 inch. They bloom abundantly in the spring and summer, attracting bees and butterflies.
Care Guide
Choisya dumosa is easy to care for and can thrive in most soil types, as long as the soil is well-draining. Here are some tips to keep your Mexican orange healthy:
- Water: Water your plant regularly during the growing season, making sure the soil is moist but not waterlogged.
- Fertilization: Fertilize your plant once a year in the spring with a balanced fertilizer.
- Soil: Mexican orange prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.
- Sunlight: Plant your shrub in a spot that receives full sunlight or partial shade.
- Hardiness Zones: Choisya dumosa is hardy in USDA zones 8-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Mexican orange is generally pest and disease-free. However, it can be susceptible to root rot if the soil is too wet. Overwatering can also lead to fungal diseases, such as powdery mildew. Keep your plant healthy by ensuring good drainage and avoiding overwatering.
Habitat
Choisya dumosa is native to Mexico and is commonly found in arid regions, such as deserts and rocky slopes. It prefers warm, dry climates and can tolerate drought conditions.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Choisya dumosa be grown in containers?
A: Yes, Mexican orange can be grown in containers as long as the container is large enough and the soil is well-draining.
Q: When is the best time to prune Choisya dumosa?
A: Prune your Mexican orange in late winter or early spring, before new growth appears. Remove any dead or damaged branches and shape the plant as desired.
Q: Do I need to deadhead Choisya dumosa?
A: Deadheading is not necessary, but it can encourage more blooms and a longer flowering period.
Q: Can Choisya dumosa be propagated from cuttings?
A: Yes, Mexican orange can be propagated from softwood cuttings taken in the summer.
Related Plants
- Choisya ternata (Mexican orange blossom)
- Choisya x dewitteana (Mexican orange hybrid)
- Choisya arizonica (Arizona choisya)
References
- Missouri Botanical Garden. (n.d.). Choisya dumosa. Retrieved from https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=281087
- University of California Agriculture & Natural Resources. (n.d.). Choisya dumosa. Retrieved from https://ucanr.edu/sites/gardenweb/entryways/Choisya_dumosa/
- Wikipedia. (2021). Choisya dumosa. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Choisya_dumosa
