Facts About the Gardenia Plant

Overview

Gardenia jasminoides, also known as cape-jasmine, is an evergreen shrub native to Asia. Bountiful, fragrant white blooms adorn the gardenia in mid-spring through early summer. Dark green, glossy foliage provide year-round interest.

Propagation

Gardenia is propagated through cuttings, grafted to rootstock for nematode resistance or started from seed.

Growth

Cape-jasmine grows to a height and spread of 4 to 8 feet. Dwarf cultivars, such as Radicans, reach to 18 inches with a spread of less than 3 feet.

Requirements

Plant gardenia in full sun to partial shade and in rich, well-drained soil. The plant performs best in slightly acidic soil with a pH around 5 or 6.

Outdoor Care

Gardenias survive outside in USDA hardiness zones 8 to 10. Spread a 3-inch layer of mulch around the plant. Remove dead flowers to encourage more buds to form. Prune in spring to maintain shape. Apply fertilizer during the growing season. Water weekly when less than an inch of rain falls.

Indoor Care

Gardenia thrives with indoor temperatures between 65 and 70 during the day and 10 degrees cooler at night. Water when the top inch of soil dries. Fertilize regularly. Use a humidifier to moisten the air and provide sunshine or a grow-light for at least 6 hours daily.

Photo by: K. A. Arbuckle