Gardenia jasminoides

The gardenia has year-long appeal given its fragrant, showy flowers, and its lustrous dark emerald green foliage. It can be a houseplant or planted outdoors, preferring bright indirect sunlight or partial shade. Sheltering from the cold and strong winds should be considered to prevent winter burn. It is moderately drought-tolerant and resistant to damage by deer. Good air circulation will reduce pest problems.

Avoid competition from tree roots as gardenias have shallow roots and do not do well with root disturbance.  Hard water, poor absorption of iron due to very alkaline soil will result in chlorosis (yellow leaves). Gardenias should not be planted near a concrete walk or foundation where the alkalinity of the soil may be too high for good growth.  But they should be planted where their heady fragrance can be enjoyed.

Do not fertilize in the fall as this will cause a rush of frost tender growth.  Prune in the spring after flowering to dead-head and maintain shape.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems:  Whiteflies can be a problem on stressed plants.

Quick ID Hints:

• Pinwheel or spiral looking buds
• Leaves rugose, dark green, glossy, with impressed veins
• Very fragrant white, double flowers
• Leaves opposite, whorled at branch tips

Evergreen shrub, 4-8' tall and wide.

Blooms May, June and July. Pungently fragrant, should be placed where fragrance can reach largest area. Beautiful foliage, holds color well into winter. Susceptible to pest/disease problems including whitefly. 

Requires acid soil, high organic content, sun to partial shade, needs protection from winter wind, cold temperatures. 

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