Choisya: A firm favourite for over a century, this disease-resistant shrub often flowers twice a year, says Sarah Morgan

摘要

Whereas most plants are subject to trends, Choiysa has maintained its popularity for over 100 years. It is a common sight in private and commercial landscapes but is pretty enough never to be boring. The crushed leaves of Choisya have a pungent, slightly unpleasant smell produced from oil glands - a common trait of the Rutaceae family to which it belongs. The flower buds are pleasingly pink-tinged and open out to star-shaped white flowers on their branch tips. Some, such as C. ternata AGM (Award of Garden Merit) and C. x dewitteana 'Aztec Pearl' AGM, flower better than others such as the yellow-leaved C. ternata Sundance = lien' AGM, which is a foliage cultivar. Although Choisya can be used in semi-shade, a sunny site promotes flowering.