Pinball Blizzard™ Mexican Orange

Light Needs

Partial Shade to Full Sun

(At Least 4 Hours of Direct Sunlight)

Mature Height

3-4 Feet

Mature Spread

3-4 Feet

Growing Zones

7 to 9

Pinball Blizzard™ Mexican Orange is grown for sheer flower power on an evergreen frame. Choisya × dewitteana ‘VACA01’ matures at 3–5 feet tall and wide, forming a dense, rounded shrub that erupts in white, five-petaled blooms each spring. The flowers nearly blanket the foliage, creating a bright, clean display that looks more like a blooming annual than a woody plant. Both the blossoms and the slender green leaves release a citrus fragrance when brushed. 

A lighter repeat bloom follows in summer, keeping the plant lively beyond its main show. This selection was developed by British plantsman Peter Catt and chosen for compact habit and heavy flowering. It serves as a larval host for swallowtail butterflies and attracts other pollinators as well. Evergreen foliage provides structure year-round in zones 7–10, and once established it handles dry conditions with ease. Its tidy form makes it useful in foundation plantings, mixed borders, or as a low hedge that never looks rigid.

Pinball Blizzard™ Mexican Orange Care

Plant Pinball Blizzard™ in full sun for the strongest bloom performance, though part sun is acceptable in hotter regions. Soil must drain quickly, as prolonged saturation can cause decline; sandy or loamy soils are ideal, and clay should be amended generously before planting. Water regularly during the first growing season to establish roots, then reduce frequency and allow the soil surface to dry slightly between deep soakings. Fertilizer is optional in average soil, but a spring application of a balanced granular shrub fertilizer can support heavier flowering in lean sites.

Prune immediately after the main spring bloom if shaping is needed. Light trimming encourages a denser habit and can prompt additional summer flowers. Avoid heavy late-season cuts, which may reduce the following spring’s display.

Pinball Blizzard™ Mexican Orange Spacing

Space plants 3–5 feet apart in landscape installations to allow the rounded habit to develop fully. For container planting, select a pot at least 20 inches wide and use a sharply draining mix.

In sunny borders, pair with bluebeard and lavender for a drought-tolerant composition. In containers, combine with lantana for extended bloom and sweet potato vines to soften the edges while the shrub anchors the center. We like placing it near seating areas where the scent can actually be enjoyed, not wasted in the back corner of the yard.

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