Gardenia jasminoides
Gardenia
This glossy, dark green, evergreen shrub is well-known for its profusion of waxy, extremely fragrant, pure white blossoms in late spring or early summer. The foliage also is extremely attractive at all times of the year. Working well as a specimen planting, Gardenia also can be used as a hedge or screen. It is best to prune only after flowering since pruning sooner removes flower buds. Care should be taken in the placement of Gardenia in the landscape. Since its fragrance is overpowering for some people. Plant it near a deck, walk, or patio where the fragrance can be blown around and enjoyed throughout the whole garden or landscape. Plant on 3 to 5-foot centers to form a hedge or mass planting. Although tolerant of a wide variety of soils, Gardenia performs best in rich, moisture-retentive, acid soils where it will receive some shade during the hottest times of the year. Plants in cool west coast climates can do well in full sun. Fewer flowers are produced if plants are kept in total shade. Gardenia needs yearly fertilization to keep the leaves dark green. An iron chelate fertilizer will help keep the foliage glossy green, especially in soil with a pH greater than 7. Otherwise, Gardenias are relatively easy to grow. Occasionally, flower buds drop from the plant. This can be caused by dry soil, wet soil, insect infestation or root damage from digging, chemical contamination (including too much fertilizer) or soil nematode feeding.
Height 3-4 Feet
|
|
Spread 4-5 Feet
|
|
|
Bloom Color
'August Beauty' |
5'T 3'-5'W |
'Variegated August Beauty' |
4'-5'T 3'-4'W |
'Frost Proof' |
4'-5'T 3'-4'w |
'Kleim's Hardy' |
4'-5'T 3'-4'W |
'Radicans' |
1'-2'T 3'W |
'Variegated Radicans' |
1'-2'T 2'-3'W |
|
USDA Hardiness Zone 8A to 10A
Characteristics & Attributes
Attributes
|
Exposure
|
Growth Rate
|
Habit
|
Season of Interest (Flowering)
• |
Late Spring / Early Summer |
|
Soil Moisture Needs
|
|