Gardenias

Gardenias are flowering shrubs and small trees in the genus Gardenia, in the family Rubiaceae. The species most widely cultivated is Gardenia jasminoides, commonly known as Cape Jasmine, prized for its highly fragrant white flowers. Other cultivated gardenias include G. taitensis (Tahitian gardenia) and various G. jasminoides cultivars with single or double blooms.

Gardenias are evergreen plants with glossy, dark green leaves and large, waxy blossoms. Flowers are typically white to cream, often very fragrant, and may be single or double in form. Plants range from compact shrubs to small trees, commonly reaching 1 to 2.5 meters in gardens, though some cultivars are larger.

Cultivation requires warm, sheltered sites in full sun to partial shade and well-drained, acidic soil rich in organic matter. They prefer consistent moisture and high humidity and are sensitive to cold and alkaline soils. In temperate regions they are grown as container plants moved indoors in winter or as outdoor shrubs in frost-free climates.

Care involves regular mulching, watering, and light pruning after flowering to maintain shape. Gardenias are propagated mainly by cuttings or by air layering. Common problems include scale, aphids, and mealybugs, as well as fungal diseases such as powdery mildew and root rot in poorly drained soil. The flowers are used in perfumery and arrangements and are culturally associated with purity and refinement.