Beloved for their intoxicating fragrance and attractive, waxy, creamy-white flowers contrasting beautifully with their shiny, leathery, dark green leaves, Gardenias are irresistible heat-loving evergreen shrubs or trees.

Native to the tropical and subtropical regions of Africa, southern Asia, Australasia and Oceania, Gardenias have not been bred to withstand extreme cold weather. Most varieties enjoy tropical or subtropical conditions and are recommended for USDA zones 8-11. However, a few frost proof Gardenia varieties can now be grown more reliably in USDA climate zone 7 and even 6. These hardy Gardenias can tolerate temperatures that plummet to below freezing and still reward you with their fabulous blooms.