Cape Jasmine Gardenia jasminoides 'Jubilation'

Gardenia ‘Jubilation’ is a broadleaf, evergreen, perennial, woody shrub in the Rubiaceae (coffee) family. Gardenias are native to southern China, Taiwan, Japan, and Vietnam. This medium-sized, round, and densely gardenia has year-long appeal given its highly fragrant, showy flowers and its thick, lustrous, dark emerald-green foliage. 

‘Jubilation’ can be grown as a houseplant or planted outdoors. It prefers bright indirect sunlight or partial shade. Full sun can scorch the leaves and may bronze them. This variety is cold hardy to zone 7a but may suffer leaf burn during a cold winter. It is drought tolerant once established, slightly salt tolerant, and resistant to damage by deer. It needs acidic soil and good drainage. To encourage continued bloom, prune back spent blossoms just below the leaf node.  Pruning to shape is generally unneeded because it tends to maintain its attractive compact shape but can be done after the initial spring flush of flowers.  Propagate this gardenia by seed or stem cutting. 

Gardenia ‘Jubilation’ is recommended for foundation plantings, hedges, as a garden accent or specimen shrub.  Or plant in small groups as a shrub border beside walkways and patios where its heady fragrance can be enjoyed.  This plant works well in a children's, sensory, Asian, or nighttime themed garden space. 

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems:  Aphids, mealybugs, scales, and spider mites are occasional pest problems.  Powdery mildew, anthracnose, leaf spots and sooty mold are occasional disease problems but good air circulation will mitigate most of these. Leaf sun scorch and winter burn. 

The Clemson Cooperative Extension Home and Garden Information Center has a factsheet on common gardenia diseases and other problems.

VIDEO Created by Elizabeth Meyer for "Trees, Shrubs and Conifers" a plant identification course offered in partnership with Longwood Gardens.

More information on Gardenia jasminoides.