Fool Proof Gardenia

Light Needs

Full Sun

(6+ Hours Direct Sun)

Mature Height

3-4 Feet

Mature Spread

3 Feet

Growing Zones

7 to 10

A child plant of the jasminoides cultivar of Gardenia, Foolproof Gardenia hybrid brings you cold hardiness down to zero to ten degrees Fahrenheit for winter temperatures, giving gardeners in Zone 7 a chance to grow these lovely fragrant flowers usually reserved for warmer climates. Creamy white, fully double flowers that swirl open from even fragrant buds, their sweet fragrance speaks summer to many people and can be detected in a hot summers night before even seeing the plant.

Native to the tropical and subtropical regions of Africa, Asia, Madagascar, the Pacific Islands and Australia, Gardenias have made their way into the United States markets. Hardy in Zones 7 to 10, Mid South to Deep South and Southwest gardeners can enjoy the sweet fragrance in garden beds and landscape borders. Bees, butterflies and hummingbirds will help you enjoy your gardenias even more with their frequent visits. Consider planting this lovely perennial in a pollinator garden as well as in your cutting garden.

Fool Proof Gardenia Care

Plant your gardenias in fall or in early spring after the danger of the last frost has passed. Capable of handling full sun, the energy gained by at least 6 hours of sun will assist the plant in producing flowers. Utilize some light afternoon shade in extremely hot regions. Gardenias will respond best in rich organic moist soil that drains well. The key to growing Gardenias is to keep them healthy. They prefer acidic soil. Supplement natural rainfall when the top one inch of soil is dry. Fertilize with a rose fertilizer throughout the growing season, ceasing in fall so the new growth has time to harden before the winter temperatures arrive. Take care not to fertilize too much as this plant is hypersensitive to salt accumulation. When possible, use an organic fertilizer rather than a chemical based one to help avoid this problem.

Gardenias will drop their spent flowers, but deadheading them prior to that will help to promote new growth and flowers. Make it a habit to clip a few flowers to bring that beautiful fragrance into your home. Prune only to shape after flowering ceases in the spring. Mulch root zone in harsher winter regions to protect them from frost heaving. Keep mulch back from around the stem.

Fool Proof Gardenia Spacing

Space your plants about 24 to 36 inches apart to give room for good air circulation. While these plants are relatively disease free, it is important to give them room to grow and help them dry off after a rain or a watering. Whether you plant this lovely fragrant perennial in a pollinator garden, a fragrance garden, or a cutting garden, or mass it out in your landscape for a fabulous border, you are going to enjoy the sights and scents that Foolproof Gardenia will bring to your garden this spring.

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