Items 1 to 15 of 15 total
Items 1 to 15 of 15 total
Gardenia
Uses:
- Flowering Hedges
- Garden Borders
- Sensory Gardens
Features:
- Fragrant Flowers
- Evergreen Foliage
- Attracts Pollinators
Sunlight:
- Partial Shade to Full Sun
- 4+ Hours of Direct Sun
Growing Zones:
- 6-11
- What is My Zone?
Gardenia shrubs are popular in southern states and typically grown for their fragrant flowers and evergreen foliage. These are perfect as a flowering evergreen hedge or garden border. Or grow these in planters in an entryway or on the patio to enjoy the fragrant blooms.
Why Buy Gardenia Shrubs Online
Gardenias are flowering evergreen shrubs in the coffee family Rubiaceae. These plants grow in warm tropical climates and are native to Africa, Asia, Madagascar and Pacific Islands. They appreciate high humidity and grow readily in the southern states. Their sweet-smelling white flowers bloom from mid spring to mid summer and are the primary draw to this lovely shrub. The broad leaves are typically dark green and glossy, but with a leathery texture and feel.
Flowering evergreen shrubs
Very fragrant flowers
Usually white flowers with yellow centers
2 to 6 feet tall and wide
Growing zones 6 to 11
About Gardenia
Genus
Species
Family
Gardenia
Gardenia jasminoides (most common)
Rubiaceae
Common Names:
Cape Jasmine, Cape Jessamine
Native To:
Tropical and subtropical regions of Africa, Asia, and the Pacific Islands
Plant Type:
Bushes
Foliage Type:
Broadleaf, glossy, dark green
USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
8 to 11
Flower Color:
Creamy white to pale yellow
Flower Bloom Time:
Late spring to early summer
Growth Habit:
Dense, bushy, rounded
Attracts:
Pollinators like bees and butterflies
Tolerates:
Partial shade
Resists:
Deer and some pests (moderate resistance)
How To Use Gardenia In The Garden
Gardenia is cherished for its captivating fragrance and waxy white flowers. The evergreen foliage, glossy and dark green, creates a lush backdrop that enhances each new wave of blooms. Although finicky about temperature and soil acidity, its heady perfume and refined appearance more than justify the extra attention. Gardenias have a long history in Asian gardens and have become easier to grow through centuries of devoted cultivation and breeding efforts.
Place gardenias near entrances or walkways in partial shade, where their signature scent can be fully appreciated. They also adapt to containers, providing an elegant focal point in outdoor seating areas. Plant them in acidic, well-drained soil and protect them from harsh winter conditions to prevent dieback. Occasional pruning after flowering helps preserve shape and encourages fresh buds for the next season’s display.
Gardenia Care
Plant gardenias in well-draining, slightly acidic soil to support healthy growth. Position them in locations with morning sun and afternoon shade, especially in warmer regions, for optimal light exposure. Water newly planted gardenias frequently, reducing to once or twice a week as they establish. Apply a slow-release fertilizer formulated for acid-loving plants in spring to promote blooming.
Prune gardenias after flowering to maintain shape and remove dead branches. In colder climates, protect them from freezing temperatures by mulching around the base and covering the plant during severe cold spells. When growing gardenias in containers, use well-draining, acidic potting mix and ensure adequate humidity, especially indoors during winter months.
Learn More About Gardenia
Gardenia Companion Plants
Companion plants should appreciate acidic, well‑drained soil, gentle morning sun, and dappled afternoon shade to keep pace with gardenias. Camellia and azalea meet those criteria effortlessly—each prefers the same low pH, mirrors the light needs, and supplies a fresh wave of blossoms when gardenias pause. In contrast, yew and boxwood contribute year‑round structure: their dense evergreen foliage anchors the planting, screens spent gardenia stems, and tolerates the filtered light a southern shrub border provides.
