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Mexican orange blossom · Choisya ternata

Why is my Mexican orange blossom looking leggy?

It is less common for this plant to become leggy, usually caused by a lack of light or a need for a structural trim. This shrub naturally grows into a dense, rounded mound, so long and sparse stems are a sign it is reaching for more energy. Check the light levels in your garden to see if nearby trees or structures are shading your plant.

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leggy growth on a plant
Photo: Rosser1954, CC BY-SA 4.0

Check these first

  1. Assess if the plant is being shaded by nearby buildings or larger trees.
  2. Look at the stems to see if they are thin and reaching outward.

Likely causes

  1. Low light levels

    Most likely

    How to tell: The stems are long and thin with large gaps between the leaves as the plant stretches toward the nearest light source.

    What to do: Relocate the plant to a sunnier position or prune back overhanging tree branches to increase light. If the plant is in a container, move it to a brighter patio area.

  2. Lack of pruning

    Possible

    How to tell: The shrub has become tall and sparse over many years without any shaping.

    What to do: Perform a light prune after flowering to encourage dense, bushy growth. You can remove up to one third of the oldest, longest stems to stimulate new growth from the base.

Leggy growth in other plants

Find out what's wrong with your mexican orange blossom

The list above covers the usual causes. Pocket Botanist looks at a photo of your actual plant and tells you the likely cause, how serious it is, and what to try first. Identification and a health check are free.

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When to worry

It is normal for the inner parts of a large, mature shrub to lose some leaves as they get shaded by the outer canopy. Worry if the entire plant looks sparse and weak.

Stopping it coming back

Give your shrub plenty of sun and trim it lightly every year after the flowers fade to maintain its shape.

Mexican orange blossom: leggy growth? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your mexican orange blossom and Pocket Botanist tells you which cause is most likely, how serious it is, and what to try first. A few checks a day are free. Save the plant and you get care reminders timed for it.

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Questions people ask

Can I cut back leggy stems all the way to the ground?
It is better to prune back to a healthy leaf node or a side branch. Cutting all the way to the ground can stress the plant too much.
Will the plant fill back in on its own?
Once a stem becomes very leggy, it rarely fills in on its own. You will need to prune it to encourage new, compact growth.

More problems with Mexican orange blossom

Back to the Mexican orange blossom guide

This article was generated with AI on from the plant’s care profile and is general information, not horticultural advice. Read about how we build these guides.