CHOISYA T. SCENTED GEM

Planting Choisya ternata ‘Scented Gem’

Choisya ternata ‘Scented Gem’ is a compact, evergreen shrub valued for its glossy aromatic foliage and masses of fragrant white flowers. It is perfect for adding year-round structure and scent to borders, patios, and smaller garden spaces.

Choosing the right position

• Prefers full sun to partial shade
• Best flowering occurs in a bright, sunny position
• Tolerates light shade, though flowering may be reduced
• Ideal for borders, low hedging, and containers
• Choose a sheltered position protected from strong, cold winds

Soil requirements

• Thrives in well-drained, fertile soil
• Prefers slightly acidic to neutral conditions
• Tolerates a range of soil types if well improved
• Does not tolerate heavy, waterlogged soil
• Improve soil with compost or well-rotted organic matter before planting

How to plant

• Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball and similar depth
• Soak the root ball before planting
• Position the plant so the root ball sits level with the soil surface
• Backfill with enriched soil and firm gently
• Water thoroughly after planting
• Space plants around 60–80cm apart
• Apply a mulch to retain moisture

Planting in containers

• Use a pot with good drainage holes
• Fill with a high-quality, free-draining compost
• Choose a container slightly larger than the root ball
• Water well after planting
• Place in a sunny or partially shaded position

Ongoing Care and Maintenance

Choisya ‘Scented Gem’ is easy to grow and requires minimal maintenance once established.

Watering

• Water regularly during the first growing season
• Keep soil moderately moist, especially during dry periods
• Once established, it is relatively drought tolerant
• Container plants require more frequent watering
• Avoid waterlogging, particularly in winter

Feeding

• Apply a balanced fertiliser in spring
• Mulch annually with compost or organic matter
• Container plants benefit from occasional liquid feeding
• Avoid excessive feeding, which can lead to excessive leafy growth

Pruning

• Lightly trim after flowering to maintain shape
• Remove any dead or damaged growth as needed
• Avoid heavy pruning, as this can reduce flowering
• Regular light pruning encourages a compact habit
• Can be shaped to suit formal or informal planting

Mulching

• Apply organic mulch in spring
• Helps retain moisture and suppress weeds
• Improves soil structure over time
• Keep mulch away from the base of the plant

Seasonal Care and Common Issues

With proper care, Choisya ‘Scented Gem’ will provide year-round interest and repeat flowering.

Seasonal performance

• Produces fragrant white flowers in spring, often with a second flush in late summer
• Evergreen foliage provides structure and colour all year
• Leaves release a citrus scent when crushed
• Ideal for adding fragrance near paths and seating areas

Winter care

• Hardy in mild climates but may need protection in colder areas
• Protect from cold winds and severe frost
• Mulch in autumn to protect roots
• Container plants may need to be moved to a sheltered position

Common problems

• Yellowing leaves may indicate poor drainage or nutrient deficiency
• Leaf scorch can occur in exposed or very dry conditions
• Poor flowering may result from too much shade or heavy pruning
• Generally pest-resistant
• Root rot can occur in waterlogged soil

Choisya ternata ‘Scented Gem’ is a versatile and attractive shrub that combines evergreen structure with fragrant flowers. Its compact size makes it ideal for smaller gardens, borders, and containers. With a sunny, sheltered position and well-drained soil, it will thrive and provide beautiful scent and colour throughout the year.

• Size
  3 lt

We currently only deliver within the island of Ireland, other countries can be quoted for by contacting [email protected] or via telephone on 06964084
 

Standard Delivery is FREE on orders over €250*

All standard deliveries will be completed within 5-7 working days via Fastway Couriers, any delay to this delivery time, the customer will be notified by One of our staff.

The in-Store delivery charge will vary compared with online, in-store delivery charge is done on a case by case basis. 

* Only mainland Ireland addresses qualify for free delivery.
 

Live Plants Delivery

Our live plants are packed with care and diligence by our staff, our horticulturists review each plant before despatch to ensure quality is maintained.
Live Plant delivery charges are not calculated on weight but on the space required per package to ensure safe delivery, so delivery charges may vary as some plants require more space than others when packed.
All live plants are despatched within 3-5 working days where possible, our couriers aim to deliver within 48 hours of despatch from our Garden Centre to allow the plant to arrive in healthy condition.
 

Click & Collect

Can’t wait for delivery? Why not try our FREE Click & Collect service? Simply make your purchase online and collect it from our store located in Croagh Co. Limerick. Our staff will contact you by phone when your order is ready for collection (Please allow 24 hours minimum). When collecting your item, call the store on 069-64084. We will then load into your car as required. This service is available in-store 9am – 6pm Monday – Saturday (No collections on Sundays)

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