Choisya planting

CumbriMan

I've recently purchased this Choisya ternata (part replacement for a verbinium Tinnus which was deteriorating - see previous post). Determined to give this little one the best start so does anyone have any planting tips? I have rose and shrub compost and bonemeal. Also plan to put it in our sunniest spot but hard to avoid wind where we are so may have to be creative. Also hope to be near to door, window seating area to capitalise on fragrance when in bloom.

As ever, all tips appreciated.

Silver surfer

Sheltered if possible.
Here ours get frosted every spring.
Probably caused by frost then sun on the leaves.

Fairygirl

Is it going in the ground? 
If so, it may need a bit of protection from strong winds, just until it gets established. They're fairly tough though, once they get going. A wee bit of shade is better, but you maybe can't do that if you want it near your seating area. Even a couple of potted plants or big pots will just help to prevent any wind damage at the start. 

Bit of frost - yes, that's always annoying @Silver surfer. Here - they're more likely to get lashed with rain and sleet! 
I haven't grown one in this garden, but they're lovely shrubs. 

Silver surfer

Forgot to say...always very very slow ..until they get established.

CumbriMan

@Silversurfer & @Fairygirl

Hmm, perhaps I'm better putting it in a pot for now. Just worried about moisture level etc. I have some more sheltered areas but worried that they would get few hours of sun as below a Holly bush and apple tree. Against a west facing fence 🤔

rachelQrtJHBjb

You could buy some wind break netting to place on the most exposed side, attaching it to a couple of stout posts. That would filter the wind as the plant establishes.

CumbriMan

@treeface thanks for the appraisal of growth rate. At least I know I can feasibly plant around it without worrying about it swamping other plants too quickly.

Janie B

I can confirm, very slow to get going, but once they're established, they seem to be the easiest of shrubs. Lovely herby smelling leaves, too!

CumbriMan

@rachelQrtJHBjb that's a simple yet good recommendation. I should have thought of that! Are they different to decorative screens? I did look at screens but reasoned they would also block some sun although some of them look really nice and would add another dimension / focal point to my garden.

Fairygirl

Once established, they're not really any slower than any other shrub though, not here anyway. Mine was quite a good size within a few years.
All depends on conditions - soil/climate etc too. I'm guessing by your name that you're in Cumbria @CumbriMan, so I expect it would be reasonably similar with you.

Looks a nice healthy plant anyway 

CumbriMan

@Fairygirl nicely deduced! Yes, Cumbria here. Our soil is acidic with Rhodos and azaleas typically doing well 😊