A compact evergreen shrub with slender, glossy, dark green leaves and clusters of fragrant, pink-tinged white flowers, in late spring and again in late summer. Height and spread 2.5m. Full sun. Hardy.
Choisya x dewitteana ‘Aztec Pearl’ is a compact evergreen shrub that adds both beauty and fragrance to any garden. With its glossy dark green leaves and clusters of pink-tinged white flowers, this plant is a standout in both spring and late summer. Follow this comprehensive guide to ensure your Choisya x dewitteana ‘Aztec Pearl’ thrives and provides continuous visual interest in your garden.
PLANTING and AFTERCARE GUIDE
Best Planting Time
Spring: The ideal time to plant Choisya x dewitteana ‘Aztec Pearl’ is in spring, as the soil begins to warm. Planting in spring gives the roots a chance to establish before the growing season begins, leading to strong and healthy growth.
Autumn: Alternatively, early autumn is also a great time to plant. This gives your Choisya time to settle in before the colder months, encouraging better root development and a strong start to the following spring.
Site Selection
Sunlight: Choisya thrives in full sun but can tolerate light shade. For the best results, plant in a location that receives at least 4–6 hours of direct sunlight daily. In full sun, the plant’s foliage will appear vibrant, and the flowers will bloom profusely.
Soil: Choose a well-drained location for Choisya x dewitteana ‘Aztec Pearl’. The plant does not like waterlogged soil, so good drainage is essential to avoid root rot. Incorporating organic matter like compost will improve soil quality and help with drainage.
Planting Instructions
Prepare the Hole: Dig a hole that is about twice as wide and the same depth as the root ball of your Choisya. This provides ample space for the roots to spread and establish.
Soil Preparation: Mix in some compost or organic matter to enrich the soil. This will improve the soil’s fertility, drainage, and overall structure, helping Choisya x dewitteana ‘Aztec Pearl’ establish healthy roots.
Planting: Place the root ball in the prepared hole, ensuring the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil. Backfill with soil, firming it gently to eliminate air pockets.
Watering After Planting: Water well after planting to settle the soil and encourage root establishment. Ensure the area drains well to avoid waterlogging, as Choisya does not like soggy roots.
Watering Requirements
Growing Season: Once established, Choisya is moderately drought-tolerant. During dry periods, water the plant deeply, but allow the soil to dry slightly between waterings. Be cautious not to overwater, as excess moisture can cause root rot.
Dormant Season: During the dormant season, reduce watering significantly. Water only if the soil becomes excessively dry, as the plant needs very little moisture while dormant.
Feeding
Spring: In early spring, apply a balanced fertiliser to encourage healthy growth and vibrant flowering. Choisya benefits from a nutrient boost at the start of the growing season.
Mid-Summer: A light feeding in mid-summer will help maintain healthy growth and encourage additional blooms, ensuring your Choisya x dewitteana ‘Aztec Pearl’ stays lush and vibrant throughout the flowering season.
Pruning
Deadheading: Deadhead regularly to remove spent flowers. This practice will help prolong the flowering period, keep the plant tidy, and encourage fresh blooms.
Autumn Pruning: After the final flowers of the season have faded, trim back any dead or damaged growth. This will help prepare the plant for the dormant season and promote healthy growth in the spring.
Mulching
Spring: Apply a layer of mulch around the base of your Choisya in spring to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature. Organic mulch, such as bark chips or compost, is ideal.
Winter: In colder climates, a layer of mulch around the base of the plant can help protect the roots from frost damage and prevent soil erosion.
Supporting the Plant
Staking: Choisya x dewitteana ‘Aztec Pearl’ is naturally compact and sturdy, so staking is typically unnecessary. However, if the plant is located in an especially windy area, staking may be beneficial to avoid damage.
Final Tips
Choisya x dewitteana ‘Aztec Pearl’ is a low-maintenance, hardy shrub that adds year-round beauty and fragrance to your garden. By planting it in full sun or partial shade and well-drained soil, and by following this care routine, your Choisya will reward you with stunning blooms in late spring and again in late summer. Add this beautiful shrub to your garden for its fragrant flowers and attractive, evergreen foliage.
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