Contents
Description
Choisya Ternata Sundance is a popular ornamental plant that belongs to the Rutaceae family. It is a cultivar of the Mexican orange blossom and is known for its golden-yellow foliage. This evergreen shrub is native to Mexico and was introduced to Europe in the mid-19th century. It is a slow-growing plant that can reach a height of up to 2 meters and a spread of 1.5 meters.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain| Eukaryota||———–|—————-|| Kingdom| Plantae|| Phylum| Angiosperms|| Class| Eudicots|| Order| Sapindales|| Family| Rutaceae|| Genus| Choisya|| Species| Choisya ternata || Cultivar| Sundance|
Appearance
The Choisya Ternata Sundance has striking golden-yellow foliage that stands out in any garden. The leaves are glossy and the plant produces clusters of fragrant, white flowers in the spring and summer. The flowers have a sweet scent that attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies. The shrub has a compact and bushy growth habit, and its leaves are divided into three leaflets.
Care Guide
The Choisya Ternata Sundance is a low-maintenance plant that is easy to care for. Here are some care tips:- Water: Water the plant regularly to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Reduce watering in the winter months.- Fertilization: Fertilize the plant in the spring and summer with a balanced fertilizer.- Soil: The plant prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.- Sunlight: The Choisya Ternata Sundance thrives in full sun to partial shade.- Hardiness Zones: The plant is hardy in USDA zones 7 to 10.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Choisya Ternata Sundance is generally a healthy plant that is not prone to many pests and diseases. However, it can sometimes be affected by root rot, scale insects, and spider mites. Regular monitoring and proper care can help prevent these issues.
Habitat
The Choisya Ternata Sundance is native to the mountains of Mexico and prefers a mild climate. It grows well in a variety of soil types and can tolerate some drought. The plant is commonly used as an ornamental shrub in gardens and landscapes.
Question and Answer
Q: Can the Choisya Ternata Sundance be grown in a container?
A: Yes, the plant can be grown in a container as long as it is provided with adequate drainage and regular watering.
Q: How often should I prune my Choisya Ternata Sundance?
A: Prune the plant lightly in the spring to shape it and remove any dead or damaged branches. Avoid heavy pruning as it can reduce flowering.
Q: Is the Choisya Ternata Sundance deer-resistant?
A: Yes, the plant is deer-resistant due to its strong scent and bitter taste.
Q: How tall can the Choisya Ternata Sundance grow?
A: The plant can reach a height of up to 2 meters and a spread of 1.5 meters.
Related Plants
– Choisya ternata- Choisya Aztec Pearl- Choisya dumosa- Choisya x dewitteana ‘Limo’- Choisya x dewitteana ‘Goldfingers’
References
– “Choisya ternata ‘Sundance’.” RHS. https://www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/121972/i-Choisya-ternata-i-Sundance/Details (accessed August 17, 2021).- “Choisya ternata Sundance.” Missouri Botanical Garden. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=280677&isprofile=0 (accessed August 17, 2021).- “Mexican Orange Blossom (Choisya ternata).” Garden Design for Living. https://www.gardendesignforliving.com/mexican-orange-blossom-choisya-ternata/ (accessed August 17, 2021).
