Choisya x dewitteana ‘Aztec Pearl’

Discover the enchanting beauty of Choisya ‘Aztec Pearl’, a captivating evergreen that transforms Irish gardens into fragrant sanctuaries with its exquisite white blooms and elegant architectural foliage. This exceptional hybrid brings the exotic allure of Mexican heritage combined with British breeding excellence, creating a garden treasure that delights the senses throughout the year with its intoxicating perfume and graceful presence.

From mid-spring through early summer, this magnificent shrub becomes adorned with clusters of pure white star-shaped flowers that emerge from delicate pink-tinged buds, creating a breathtaking display reminiscent of orange blossom. The sweetly scented blooms fill the air with their heavenly fragrance, whilst the distinctive narrow, finger-like foliage provides year-round structure and releases its own aromatic scent when gently brushed. Often rewarding gardeners with a generous second flush of flowers in autumn’s golden light.

Named for its pearl-like buds and Aztec heritage, this remarkable cultivar combines the finest qualities of its parent species with enhanced cold tolerance and refined elegance. Hardy and adaptable, ‘Aztec Pearl’ thrives in Irish conditions, tolerating our changeable weather whilst maintaining its compact, rounded habit and delivering months of continuous beauty with minimal care required.

Create stunning combinations by pairing this fragrant treasure with blue-flowered companions such as ceanothus or lavender for striking contrasts, or plant alongside purple-leaved berberis and silver artemisia for sophisticated colour harmonies. Magnificent as a specimen plant, in mixed borders, or as informal hedging where its intoxicating fragrance and elegant form will bring sensory delight and timeless beauty to your Irish garden sanctuary.

Planting: Space plants 1.5-2m apart for hedging, or allow 2m for specimen planting. Plant in spring or autumn in well-drained, moderately fertile soil. Dig holes twice the width of the root ball and incorporate organic matter. Water thoroughly after planting and mulch around the base, keeping clear of the stem.

Soil Preparation: Thrives in well-drained soils with pH 6.0-7.5. Tolerates clay if drainage is adequate, and adapts to sandy soils with added organic matter. Avoid waterlogged conditions. Benefits from shelter from cold winds in exposed locations, though generally very hardy throughout Ireland.

Container Growing: Excellent for containers using quality, soil-based compost with added grit for drainage. Choose pots minimum 45cm diameter. Water regularly during growing season, allowing slight drying between waterings. Feed monthly during growing season with balanced liquid fertiliser. Can remain in containers for many years with annual top-dressing.

Seasonal Care: Prune lightly after spring flowering to maintain shape and encourage bushiness. Remove spent flower clusters to promote autumn reblooming. Tolerates hard pruning if renovation is needed, cutting back in late spring. Apply balanced slow-release fertiliser in early spring. Mulch annually with organic matter to retain moisture.

Propagation: Take semi-hardwood cuttings in late summer using hormone rooting powder. Root in well-drained compost with good humidity. Alternatively, take softwood cuttings in early summer. Rooting typically takes 6-8 weeks. Overwinter young plants in frost-free conditions before planting out the following spring.