Alphabetical Plant Listing

Hardy Gardenia Varieties

Frost Proof Gardenias, Winter Hardy Gardenias, Hardy Cape Jasmine


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.

Guide Information

Hardiness 6 - 11
Heat Zones 8 - 12
Climate Zones 7, 8, 9, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, H1, H2
Plant Type Shrubs
Plant Family Gardenia
Exposure Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Mid,Late)
Summer (Early,Late)
Fall
Water Needs Average
Maintenance High
Soil Type Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained
Characteristics Cut Flowers, Fragrant, Showy, Evergreen
Tolerance Deer
Attracts Birds
Landscaping Ideas Beds and Borders, Hedges and Screens, Patio and Containers
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Informal and Cottage, Japanese Garden, Traditional Garden
Compare All Gardenia Guides with Gardenia

Some pictures are courtesy of Gardeners Direct, ivz / 123RF Stock Photo

While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.

Guide Information

Hardiness 6 - 11
Heat Zones 8 - 12
Climate Zones 7, 8, 9, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, H1, H2
Plant Type Shrubs
Plant Family Gardenia
Exposure Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Mid,Late)
Summer (Early,Late)
Fall
Water Needs Average
Maintenance High
Soil Type Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained
Characteristics Cut Flowers, Fragrant, Showy, Evergreen
Tolerance Deer
Attracts Birds
Landscaping Ideas Beds and Borders, Hedges and Screens, Patio and Containers
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Informal and Cottage, Japanese Garden, Traditional Garden
Compare All Gardenia Guides with Gardenia

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