CHOISYA TERNATA - OTAGO DAILY TIMES PLANT OF THE MONTH- NOVEMBER 2008

This hardy evergreen shrub with glossy dark green leaves has clusters of white flowers from late spring to early summer.  Hailing from Mexico, this little beauty is a shrub for all gardens - big or small, from coastal to high country.     

Tolerant of dry conditions and prevailing winds, Choisya Ternata is tough and versatile, withstanding even the harshest of weather conditions.  Performing best in full sun or part shade, this star performer is a wonderful choice for gap filling and hedging.  In an expansive garden, Choisya Ternata can be planted in clusters for effect, but in a small garden or courtyard, a single specimen makes a stunning focal point.

For drama, use it as a backdrop for prolific flowering Lavenders, the vibrant blue ground covering flowers of Lithospermum Grace Ward or the dark foliage of Coprosma Karo Red or Euphorbia Tui.  Whilst naturally forming a dome shape, Choisya Ternata will grow to 2 metres by 1.5 metres.  Choisya Ternata is available now in garden centres.

Congratulations to Nola Parsons, Gill Campbell and Heather Abernethy, who each won a Choisya Ternata from Gardening Solutionz.