Choisya ternata was named to honor the Swiss Protestant clergyman and botanist, Jacques Denis Choisy, with ternata being a reference to the leaf clusters that appear in threes. A native shrub of the southwest USA and Mexico. Its common name, Mexican Orange, refers to the orange fragrance emitted from the flowers and crushed leaves. Sundance has golden-yellow foliage on new growth, then yellow or even yellow-green or light green if grown in the shade. Full sun may burn the leaves of this variety. Grows slower than the species, to 5 , and produces the usual fragrant flowers. Plant in humusy, moist, well-drained soils and prune after flowering for possible additional blooms. Once established it is moderately drought tolerant. Hardy to Zones 7-10. Photo courtesy of Oregon State.
