Gardenia jasminoides Seeds - Cape Jasmine - Common Gardenia

Common Name: gardenia 

Type: Broadleaf evergreen
Family: Rubiaceae
Native Range: China, Taiwan, Japan
Zone: 8 to 11
Height: 5.00 to 6.00 feet
Spread: 5.00 to 6.00 feet
Bloom Time: Seasonal bloomer
Bloom Description: White/ivory
Sun: Part shade
Water: Medium
Maintenance: High
Flower: Showy, Fragrant, Good Cut
Leaf: Evergreen
Garden locations

In their native range, most gardenias are fairly adaptable shrubs tolerant of sun or semi-shade, and do best in a well-drained, humus-rich, acidic soil. Fall or spring is the best time for planting in warmer climates. Place in light to moderate shade, preferably with minimum competition from tree roots. Gardenias resent root disturbance. Use fertilizer for acid loving plants, and use iron compounds. Add plenty of organic matter, such as compost or ground bark to as large an area as possible. Mulch plants instead of cultivating. A good time to feed gardenias in these warm areas is mid-March, using an acid plant food, fish emulsion or blood meal. Fertilize the shrubs again in late June to encourage extra flowers on everbloomers or faster growth of young shrubs. Do not fertilize gardenias in the fall. Doing so will stimulate tender growth. Prune shrubs after they have finished flowering to remove straggly branches and faded flowers. Water gardenias regularly. Drip irrigating the shrubs will keep water off the foliage and blossoms and prevents leaf spots.

Cape jasmine, as it is sometimes called, is more commonly a container plant in conservatories and greenhouses in colder climates but it can be placed outside in warmer months. Grown indoors, these plants need bright light, moderate temperatures; cooler during dormancy, average to high humidity and well-drained, acidic soil. Water moderately, using room temperature water, when possible. Do not allow soil to dry out. Prune after flowering to maintain the plant’s shape and remove faded or brown flowers as they appear. Fertilize from March to August with a mild acid liquid fertilizer.

Noteworthy Characteristics
Gardenia jasminoides, commonly called common gardenia or cape jasmine, is native to southern China and Japan and is an evergreen shrub with thick, glossy, dark green leaves (to 4” long). It typically grows to 3-6’ tall. It is particularly noted for its extremely fragrant white flowers (to 3” diameter) and is often grown in double-flowered forms. Flowers bloom throughout the year in warm climates where temperatures do not dip below 60 degrees F., but more typically bloom in late spring to early summer in cooler climates in the northern part of its growing range.

Gardenia jasminoides is synonymous with G. augusta and G. grandiflora.

Genus name honors Alexander Garden (1730-1791), Scottish physician, botanist and zoologist who settled in Charleston, South Carolina in 1752.