Choisya

The genus Choisya consists of 7 species - evergreen shrubs. Of these, only Choisya ternata is widely grown. It is characterized by opposite leaves consisting of three simple, short-stemmed green glossy leaves with a finely toothed edge. If rubbed, they emit a pleasant aroma. The inflorescences formed in the leaf axils, usually located at the ends of twigs, consist of H-6 flowers, white and fragrant 5-petal, with 10 stamens, similar to orange flowers. The period of abundant flowering is in May. Often blooms again in autumn. Fruit-3-5-lobed seed pod. The variety 'Sunny Dance' is characterized by yellow coloration of the leaves. In addition, a compact hybrid 'Aztec pearl' with pink buds and white flowers with a pink tint was bred. Occasionally, another species is grown - choisya shrubby (C. dumosa), reaching 1 m in height. Leaves with a lemon-scented aroma consist of 3-5 leaflets. In the period from April to July, flowers bloom.

The genus Choisya consists of 7 species - evergreen shrubs. Of these, only Choisya ternata is widely grown. It is characterized by opposite leaves consisting of three simple, short-stemmed green glossy leaves with a finely toothed edge. If rubbed, they emit a pleasant aroma. The inflorescences formed in the leaf axils, usually located at the ends of twigs, consist of H-6 flowers, white and fragrant 5-petal, with 10 stamens, similar to orange flowers. The period of abundant flowering is in May. Often blooms again in autumn. Fruit-3-5-lobed seed pod.

The variety 'Sunny Dance' is characterized by yellow coloration of the leaves.

In addition, a compact hybrid 'Aztec pearl' with pink buds and white flowers with a pink tint was bred.

Occasionally, another species is grown - choisya shrubby (C. dumosa), reaching 1 m in height. Leaves with a lemon-scented aroma consist of 3-5 leaflets. In the period from April to July, flowers bloom.

Cultivation

Choisya is grown in parks and gardens - in single plantings and small groups, as well as in hedges. Less often it is cultivated in pots on balconies and terraces, mainly hybrid 'Aztec pearls' - this variety is also suitable for decorating curbs. Choisya triplicate is finally planted in April, and it blooms only the next year. There are no special requirements for the soil, but slightly acidic and well-drained is preferred. Since the flowers appear on the branches of the previous year, in the spring after flowering, those branches on which there were flowers are shortened.

Location

Choisya prefers a place in the open sun, and successfully develops in partial shade.

Temperature

Choisya trifoliata is a frost-resistant plant, but too long cold snaps can damage the crop. Therefore, in cold climates, the place suitable for planting it should be protected from biting winds.

Watering

Practically not required, it is only needed for young plants immediately after planting in a permanent place or during a drought. Stagnation of water in the soil should be avoided.

Transplant

Transplanted in spring once every 2-3 years, depending on the growth rate and development of the plant, using a larger container and the same soil that was recommended for cultivation. When cultivating adult plants, partial replacement of old soil is practiced.

Care

Remove dry, damaged and too dense branches.

Reproduction

The most common method is propagation by semi-woody cuttings, which are taken in August and planted in a mixture of peat and sand (1:1) in a closed, unheated room. After rooting, the seedlings are planted in separate containers. They are planted in a permanent place only for the next year. In temperate regions, cuttings can be planted directly outdoors.

The most common method is propagation by semi-woody cuttings, which are taken in August and planted in a mixture of peat and sand (1:1) in a closed, unheated room. After rooting, the seedlings are planted in separate containers. They are planted in a permanent place only for the next year.

In temperate regions, cuttings can be planted directly outdoors.

Diseases

Due to excessive watering or too heavy and poorly drained soil, the root system may rot. Water less frequently. In a humid environment with stagnant air, plants are affected by gray rot - a characteristic gray mold appears, accompanied by rotting of flowers and stems. Treat the plant with an anti-gray rot product.

Due to excessive watering or too heavy and poorly drained soil, the root system may rot. Water less frequently.

In a humid environment with stagnant air, plants are affected by gray rot - a characteristic gray mold appears, accompanied by rotting of flowers and stems. Treat the plant with an anti-gray rot product.

Acquisition

Choisya is not easy to get - contact gardening centers and nurseries and order it in advance. Plants are bought in the spring and immediately planted outdoors in the open ground. Choose small but well-formed specimens.

New forms and varieties can be grown in pots Modern garden forms of choisya, such as the variety quot; Aztec pearlquot; can be grown in a pot, but for the winter it must be removed to a room with very good lighting and a temperature of at least 5 °C. The soil mixture consists of peat and fertile land (1:1). Observe regular daily watering from March to September, and then water less often, based on the ambient temperature. In spring and summer, a complete mineral fertilizer with a low nitrogen content is added 2-3 times to the water for irrigation.

New forms and varieties can be grown in pots

Modern garden forms of choisya, such as the variety quot; Aztec pearlquot; can be grown in a pot, but for the winter it must be removed to a room with very good lighting and a temperature of at least 5 °C. The soil mixture consists of peat and fertile land (1:1). Observe regular daily watering from March to September, and then water less often, based on the ambient temperature. In spring and summer, a complete mineral fertilizer with a low nitrogen content is added 2-3 times to the water for irrigation.