CHOISYA TERNATA AZTEC PEARL (RP)

Description and Characteristics

Choisya ternata 'Aztec Pearl' (RP) is a stylish, evergreen flowering shrub that stands out for its refined, narrow foliage, abundant scented flowers, and compact, rounded habit. A cross between Choisya ternata and Choisya arizonica, this hybrid is prized for combining the hardiness and fragrance of ternata with the fine-textured, elegant foliage of arizonica.

From late spring to early summer, it produces masses of starry, pale pink-tinged white flowers, highly fragrant and reminiscent of orange blossom. A second flush often appears in late summer to early autumn, extending its ornamental season. Its finely divided, glossy green, linear leaves offer year-round texture and aroma, giving a more delicate look than standard C. ternata.

Typically reaching 1.5–2.5 m in height and spread, 'Aztec Pearl' forms a graceful, dome-shaped shrub that’s excellent for borders, informal hedging, foundation planting, or as a specimen in containers.

• Produces fragrant white flowers with a hint of pink in spring and autumn

• Slender, glossy green foliage with a delicate, fine-leaved appearance

• Height & spread: 1.5–2.5 m, naturally rounded and bushy

• Evergreen foliage provides year-round structure and aromatic interest

• RHS Award of Garden Merit – reliable and well-performing variety

• RP: Registered Plant – protected and bred for quality and consistency

Growing Conditions and Maintenance

Choisya ternata 'Aztec Pearl' is low-maintenance, drought-tolerant, and ideal for both sunny and semi-shaded gardens. Its light-reflecting foliage and fragrant flowers make it perfect for brightening darker garden corners or sunny terraces.

• Light Requirements:

  • Thrives in full sun to partial shade

  • Flowers and foliage colour are strongest in sunny, sheltered spots

  • Ideal for south, west, or east-facing gardens

• Soil Preferences:

  • Grows in well-drained, fertile soil

  • Tolerates chalk, clay, loam, and sand

  • pH adaptable: performs well in neutral to slightly alkaline soils

• Watering Needs:

  • Water regularly during the first growing season

  • Once established, it is drought-tolerant

  • Water potted plants more frequently in dry periods

• Feeding:

  • Apply a balanced fertiliser in early spring

  • Top-dress annually with well-rotted compost or mulch to improve moisture retention and fertility

• Pruning and Maintenance:

  • Lightly prune after flowering to shape and encourage bushiness

  • Remove dead or spindly stems in early spring

  • Responds well to renovation pruning every few years if needed

• Winter Care:

  • Hardy in Zones 7–10 (RHS H4–H5)

  • Generally frost-hardy; protect in cold, exposed locations with mulch or fleece in winter

  • Evergreen foliage may suffer from scorch in strong wind—choose a sheltered site

Garden Uses, Companion Plants, and Pollinator Value

Choisya 'Aztec Pearl' is a versatile shrub with seasonal fragrance, evergreen structure, and long-lasting floral display. It’s suitable for a wide range of garden styles, from Mediterranean borders to contemporary urban designs.

• Design Applications:

  • Excellent for mixed borders, informal hedging, and foundation planting

  • Works beautifully as a specimen shrub in patio containers

  • A great option for coastal gardens, courtyards, or fragrant gardens

• Companion Plants:

  • Pairs well with Lavandula, Hebe, Pittosporum, Escallonia, and Salvia

  • Combines nicely with spring bulbs like Tulipa, Narcissus, and Allium

  • Contrasts well with silver foliage plants like Artemisia or Senecio

• Pollinator Benefits:

  • Scented flowers attract bees, butterflies, and hoverflies

  • Early flowering makes it a valuable nectar source in late spring

  • Supports biodiversity in low-maintenance and urban planting schemes

• Container Use:

  • Ideal for terracotta or stone pots on sunny patios

  • Use peat-free, well-drained compost with added grit

  • Ensure adequate watering and apply a slow-release fertiliser in spring

• Pest and Disease Resistance:

  • Generally pest- and disease-free

  • Occasionally affected by aphids or leaf spot in humid or crowded conditions

  • Ensure good air circulation and avoid overwatering

• 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)

Click here for more information about our shipping conditions.

You can pay your online order either by credit card or via Paypal.
If you have any further questions about the online order payment please contact us via ­069 640 84 or mail.