Growing Gardenias, Caring for Gardenias, Planting Gardenias
Gardenia, a genus belonging to the coffee family, Rubiaceae, encompasses over 200 species of flowering plants native to the tropical and subtropical regions of Africa, Asia, Madagascar, Australia and the Pacific Islands.
The most commonly cultivated species, Gardenia jasminoides (Cape Jasmine), showcases the classic gardenia beauty with its creamy white, rose-like blooms that emanate a sweet, heavy scent, particularly in the evening and early morning.
These evergreen shrubs are celebrated for their lush, glossy foliage and intensely fragrant, waxy white flowers, making them a beloved choice for gardens, landscapes, and potted indoor plants.
Their blooming season extends from late spring through early summer, with some varieties offering sporadic blooms throughout the summer.
Gardenias play versatile roles in the landscape, serving as specimen plants, hedges, or enhancing container gardens. They’re also cherished for their fragrance in homes within cooler climates. However, due to their toxicity to pets, caution is advised when displaying gardenias in homes with cats or dogs since ingestion may cause gastrointestinal distress. Nonetheless, gardenias are considered safe for households with children.
Hardy in USDA zones 7 to 11, gardenia bushes thrive in warm, humid environments. They require well-draining, acidic soil and partial to full sun exposure with some protection from the hottest rays. Despite their somewhat demanding care requirements, including consistent moisture and vigilance against pests like aphids and scales, gardenias reward gardeners with their stunning visual and olfactory appeal.
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, Trees |
Plant Family | Rubiaceae |
Genus | Gardenia |
Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
Season of Interest | Spring (Mid, Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall |
Water Needs | Average |
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, Traditional Garden |
Photos: chompoonut / 123RF Stock Photo
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, Trees |
Plant Family | Rubiaceae |
Genus | Gardenia |
Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
Season of Interest | Spring (Mid, Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall |
Water Needs | Average |
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, Traditional Garden |
Create a membership account to save your garden designs and to view them on any device.
Becoming a contributing member of Gardenia is easy and can be done in just a few minutes. If you provide us with your name, email address and the payment of a modest $25 annual membership fee, you will become a full member, enabling you to design and save up to 25 of your garden design ideas.
Join now and start creating your dream garden!
Create a membership account to save your garden designs and to view them on any device.
Becoming a contributing member of Gardenia is easy and can be done in just a few minutes. If you provide us with your name, email address and the payment of a modest $25 annual membership fee, you will become a full member, enabling you to design and save up to 25 of your garden design ideas.
Join now and start creating your dream garden!