Photo of Choisya arizonica 'Whetstone' flower by Joshua McCullough

Photo by Joshua McCullough

Used with permission, all rights reserved

Show all photos

Choisya arizonica 'Whetstone'

Also Known As

  • Whetstone Mexican Orange

Plant type

shrub

size

  • H: 3'
  • W: 3'

planting zones

  • 7a-10b

Choisya arizonica 'Whetstone' plant details

Choisya arizonica 'Whetstone' is a broadleaf evergreen shrub with green foliage. In summer and winter white flowers emerge. Drought tolerant once established. Prefers to be dry in summer. Does well in well-drained soil.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Choisya arizonica 'Whetstone'

Plant type: shrub
Plant family: rutaceae
Foliage: evergreen green
Mature size: 3 FT wide, 3 FT tall
Flowers: white blooms in summer and winter
Uses: fragrant, winter interest, year round interest

GROWING CONDITIONS for Choisya arizonica 'Whetstone'

USDA Zones: 7a - 10b
Sun exposure: sun - mostly shade
Soil needs: well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Cistus Nursery introduction, this lovely evergreen shrub reaches 3-4’ high and wide, sporting narrow foliage in an attractive blue-green hue. Spring flower clusters are white and pleasantly fragrant (frequently reblooms). Elegant, fine textured, smaller shrub for accent, the shrub border, a fine mixer with dwarf conifers, grasses and perennials. Best in full sun (at least 6 hours), well-drained soil and with occasional water. Deer resistant.
A Cistus introduction. Our own collection from the Whetstone mountains of southern Arizona, selected for its fine filigreed leaves of 1-2" with winter red tint on the green foliage and for its extra vigor. This is a small shrub, to under 3 ft tall by 3 ft wide, yet it produces the largest flowers choisyas are known for, often in both winter and summer. Sun to dappled shade, good drainage. Drought tolerant in all but the lowest deserts. Cold hardy in mid to upper USDA zone 7.

Gardening facts about Choisya arizonica 'Whetstone' plant

How to Grow Choisya arizonica 'Whetstone'

  • Sun Exposure

    • sun - mostly shade
  • Water Needs

    • drought tolerant
  • Water Needs

    • dry in summer
  • Soil Needs

    • well-drained

Features

  • Foliage Color

    • green
  • Flower Color

    • white
  • Flower Season

    • summer
    • winter
  • Foliage Season

    • evergreen

See other plant types of Choisya for your garden

Scientific Name: Choisya ternata 'Lich'

aka Choisya ternata 'Sundance', Golden Mock Orange, Sundance Mexican Orange

Plant Type

Shrub

Zones

7a-10b

Size

Height: 3'-5'

Width: 3'-5'

  • sun - dappled shade
  • regular - drought tolerant
Photo of Choisya ternata Sundance flower by plant lust
View Plant

Scientific Name: Choisya x dewitteana 'Limo'

aka Choisya arizonica x ternata 'Limo', Choisya ternata 'Gold Fingers', Gold Fingers Mexican Orange

Plant Type

Shrub

Zones

8a-10b

Size

Height: 3'-6'

Width: 4'-5'

  • sun - dappled shade
  • regular - drought tolerant
  • dry in summer
Photo of Choisya x dewitteana Goldfingers foliage by Dancing Oaks Nursery
View Plant

aka Choisya ternata 'Aztec Pearl', Aztec Pearl Mexican Orange

Plant Type

Shrub

Zones

8a-10b

Size

Height: 3'-5'

Width: 6'-8'

  • sun - dappled shade
  • occasional - drought tolerant
  • dry in summer
Photo of Choisya x dewitteana 'Aztec Pearl' flower, form by themagnolias.co.uk
View Plant

aka Choisya 'Blue Stone', Bluestone Mexican Orange

Plant Type

Shrub

Zones

7a-10b

Size

Height: 3'-4'

Width: 3'-4'

  • sun - dappled shade
  • occasional - drought tolerant
  • dry in summer
Photo of Choisya 'Bluestone' flower, foliage, form by Patricia Cunningham
View Plant

aka Mexican Orange, Mexican Orange Blossom

Plant Type

Shrub

Zones

7a-10b

Size

Height: 6'-8'

Width: 6'-8'

  • sun - mostly shade
  • regular - occasional
  • dry in summer
Photo of Choisya ternata flower, foliage by Stan Shebs
View Plant

More Options

+6 more Choisya
Mailing List
Sign Up for updates on new plant arrivals and deals

© 2010—2026 Plant Lust, LLC All Rights Reserved