Choisya ternata 'Sundance' (Brica) – Planting & Care Guide

About Choisya ternata 'Sundance'

Choisya ternata 'Sundance', commonly known as the Golden Mexican Orange Blossom, is a stunning evergreen shrub grown for its vibrant golden-yellow foliage, fragrant white flowers and naturally rounded habit. The bright foliage adds year-round colour to the garden, while clusters of star-shaped, sweetly scented white flowers appear in spring and often produce a lighter second flush in late summer.

Growing to approximately 1.5–2.5 metres tall with a spread of 1.5–2.5 metres, 'Sundance' is an excellent choice for borders, hedging, specimen planting and large containers. The aromatic leaves release a pleasant citrus scent when crushed, adding another layer of interest. Easy to grow and low maintenance, it is well suited to gardens throughout Ireland.

Planting Guide

• Plant in full sun or partial shade.
• Full sun produces the brightest golden foliage, while partial shade helps prevent leaf scorch in very hot locations.
• Choose a sheltered position protected from strong, cold winds.
• Prefers fertile, moisture-retentive but well-drained soil.
• Suitable for loam, sandy and chalky soils.
• Improve poor soils with compost or well-rotted organic matter before planting.
• Dig a planting hole twice the width of the root ball and the same depth.
• Carefully remove the plant from its container and gently loosen the roots.
• Position the root ball level with the surrounding soil.
• Backfill with soil, firm gently and water thoroughly.
• Apply a 5–8cm layer of organic mulch around the base, keeping it clear of the main stem.
• Space plants 1.5–2 metres apart for hedging or 2–2.5 metres apart for specimen planting.

Care & Maintenance

Choisya 'Sundance' is a hardy, low-maintenance shrub that performs well with minimal attention.

• Water regularly during the first growing season.
• Once established, water during prolonged dry spells.
• Keep the soil moist but avoid waterlogging.
• Feed in spring with a balanced slow-release fertiliser.
• Refresh mulch annually to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
• Remove weeds regularly from around the base.
• Water container-grown plants more frequently during warm weather.
• Avoid prolonged winter waterlogging.
• Protect young plants from severe frost in exposed gardens.

Pruning

Very little pruning is required to keep the plant healthy and attractive.

• Prune lightly immediately after the main flowering period.
• Remove any dead, damaged or diseased branches.
• Trim lightly to maintain a neat, rounded shape.
• Remove any frost-damaged growth in spring once new shoots appear.
• Avoid hard pruning into old wood, as recovery may be slow.

Growing Conditions

• Botanical Name: Choisya ternata 'Sundance'
• Common Name: Golden Mexican Orange Blossom
• Plant Type: Evergreen shrub
• Mature Height: 1.5–2.5 metres
• Spread: 1.5–2.5 metres
• Flower Colour: Pure white
• Flowering Period: April to May, with a lighter second flush in late summer
• Foliage: Bright golden-yellow evergreen leaves
• Growth Rate: Moderate
• Hardiness: Fully hardy throughout most of Ireland and the UK

Ideal Uses in the Garden

Choisya 'Sundance' is perfect for adding year-round colour and fragrance.

• Mixed shrub borders
• Evergreen hedging
• Specimen planting
• Cottage gardens
• Contemporary gardens
• Courtyard gardens
• Patio containers
• Coastal gardens
• Wildlife-friendly gardens
• Foundation planting

It combines beautifully with Pittosporum, Hebe, Hydrangea, Lavender, Skimmia, Pieris, Photinia, ornamental grasses and spring-flowering bulbs.

Seasonal Interest

• Bright golden foliage provides year-round colour.
• Highly fragrant white flowers appear in spring.
• A lighter second flush of blooms often appears in late summer.
• Evergreen foliage brightens the garden throughout autumn and winter.
• Aromatic leaves release a pleasant citrus fragrance when crushed.
• Flowers attract bees and other pollinating insects.

Common Problems

Choisya 'Sundance' is generally healthy and reliable when grown in suitable conditions.

• Poor drainage can lead to root rot.
• Young foliage may scorch in prolonged hot, dry conditions.
• Severe frost may damage new growth, but plants usually recover well in spring.
• Aphids may occasionally appear on tender shoots.
• Ensure good air circulation and avoid waterlogged soils for the healthiest growth.

With its vibrant golden foliage, fragrant white flowers and attractive evergreen habit, Choisya ternata 'Sundance' is an outstanding shrub for Irish gardens. Easy to grow and requiring very little maintenance, it provides year-round colour, seasonal fragrance and reliable structure, making it an excellent choice for borders, hedging, containers and feature planting

• Size
  20-25 CM C2

Kindly be aware when mix/ mixed/ assorted/ varieties is mention you will receive ONLY ONE plant/ item, which will be selected for delivery, photos may show different varieties available - which may also vary 

 
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