For a shrub that shines beautifully, even on the dullest days, you need look no further than Choisya ternata ‘Sundance’, affectionately known as Mexican Orange Blossom. This vibrant evergreen is a star in its own right. It is celebrated for its dazzling golden-yellow foliage that offers year-round interest, beautifully complemented by clusters of fragrant white flowers in spring and often again in autumn. Oh, did I mention that incredible fragrance when brushed against or trimmed? No? Oh, then let me tell you, it is delightfully aromatic.

That divine fragrance also tells you this plant copes well with drought, as most fragrant foliage plants do. Choisya is remarkably easy to grow, making it a fantastic choice for seasoned gardeners and those just starting their green-fingered journey.

Let’s dig into how to ensure your Sundance flourishes.

Choosing the Perfect Spot

The key to a golden C ternata ‘Sundance’, lies in its location. This shrub loves sunlight. The more it gets, the more intense and vibrant its golden hue will become. While it can tolerate partial shade, be aware that its yellow will be more subdued, leaning towards a lime-green.

Choose a sheltered position that offers protection from our sometimes harsh, cold winter winds. Although it is generally hardy across much of the UK, strong gales can cause unsightly damage to its foliage during colder spells. Planting it against a south or west-facing wall or in a cosy courtyard, and it will thank you with its dazzling colour and interestingly shaped leaves.

Getting the Soil Right

Soil drainage is paramount for C ternata ‘Sundance’. It despises sitting in waterlogged conditions, which can quickly lead to root rot – a common killer of many shrubs.

Fortunately, C ternata ‘Sundance’ is adaptable to various soil types, from chalk to clay, loam to sandy, provided they all drain well. If, as I do, you have particularly heavy clay, consider incorporating plenty of well-rotted compost or grit when planting to improve drainage and aeration. After planting, add some organic matter as a mulch to give your Sundance an excellent start. C ternata ‘Sundance’ is also tolerant of a range of soil pH, from acidic to alkaline.

Planting for Success

The best time to introduce your C ternata ‘Sundance’ to your garden is in spring, once the soil has warmed up. Alternatively, an early autumn planting will allow the plant to develop a stronger root system over winter.

When planting, dig a hole at least twice as wide as the root ball and of the same depth. Gently tease out any circling roots from the root ball before placing the plant so that its top is level with the surrounding soil. Backfill the hole with the excavated soil, gently firming it around the roots to eliminate air pockets. Finish by watering thoroughly to settle the soil.

Watering Wisdom

During its first growing season, your newly planted C ternata ‘Sundance’ will need regular watering to help it get established. However, once settled in, this shrub will be very drought-resistant. You should only need to water during prolonged dry spells. The golden rule is always to allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings to prevent waterlogging.

If you are growing C ternata ‘Sundance’ in a container, which it should thrive in beautifully, remember that containers dry out much faster than garden beds. Container plants will require more frequent watering, but always ensure the pot has excellent drainage holes.

Feeding and Mulching

C ternata ‘Sundance’ is not a particularly hungry plant. For container-grown plants, a general-purpose, balanced, slow-release fertiliser applied in early spring can provide a gentle boost for the growing season.

When growing in the ground, a great way to feed your plant and conserve moisture is to apply a 2-3 inch layer of organic mulch around its base in spring. Materials like chip bark or well-rotted compost will suppress weeds, help retain soil moisture, moderate soil temperature, and slowly release nutrients into the soil as they break down. Remember to keep the mulch a few inches from the main stem.

The Art of Pruning

Pruning your C ternata ‘Sundance’ helps maintain its shape and encourages more blooms. The ideal time to prune is immediately after its main flush of flowers in late spring or early summer (typically April-May here in the UK). If lucky, this often stimulates a second, smaller flush of flowers in late summer or early autumn.

It is also a good idea to quickly remove dead, damaged, or diseased stems. Do not be afraid to hard-prune leggy or overgrown plants. C ternata ‘Sundance’ tolerates being cut back into older wood, even quite severely, as I did with mine this year. After a severe prune, it may take a season to bounce back and flower abundantly. Avoid heavy pruning in late autumn or winter, as new growth could be susceptible to frost damage.

Pests and Diseases

One of the many joys of growing C ternata ‘Sundance’ is its resistance to most pests and diseases. It is a wonderfully low-maintenance shrub in this regard. Occasionally, you might encounter red spider mites (especially in dry, sheltered conditions or on container plants) or the dreaded garden snail. Thankfully, I am pleased to say these are rarely serious threats to C ternata ‘Sundance’.

By following these straightforward guidelines, you will be well on your way to cultivating a thriving and dazzling C ternata ‘Sundance’ that will light up your garden with its brilliant aromatic foliage and fragrant blooms, season after season.