Gardenia Plant

The gardenia plant is also known as cape jasmine. But whatever name you call it by, be prepared to be seduced by the smell.

General Characteristics

As long as you live in a warm climate, without harsh winters, they can be a wonderful addition to your garden.

Gardenias can grow as tall and wide as eight feet if you have chosen a larger variety or as small as two feet by two if a dwarf variety has been picked.

The smaller varieties also do very well in containers and make a super addition to your porch or front doorway.

The shrubs bloom their luscious white flowers spring and summer, and are generally in warm winter areas.

Where to Plant

Gardenias prefer an acidic soil, so make sure you test before you plant.

They need the acidic soil so much that they shouldn’t even be planted too near a sidewalk or driveway, in case the concrete has raised the pH to a level that won’t do for the plant.

They prefer a full to partial sun area, and a moist soil. If you are looking for a drought tolerant plant, this is not it.

A rich, acidic soil, and lots of moisture are what your gardenia plant will crave. When looking for that rich spot to plant in, even though the gardenia plant will want moisture, make sure your site drains well. Very few plants want their roots to stay wet.

When to Plant

Gardenias should be planted spring or fall, avoiding the extremes of the seasons.

Fall is generally considered a better time as roots can do up to 65% of their growth in the winter months. That way when the heat of summer rolls around, the plants are better able to withstand the more extreme heat.

Care

One more time…. Gardenias need lots of water. If you are not getting at least one inch of rain per week, supplemental watering is needed.

Also, you should apply a two to three inch layer of mulch in order to keep the moisture in and the weeds down.

Monthly feeding during the growing season is needed to ensure a happy, healthy plant.

Remember to use an acidic fertilizer. Many are available and your local nursery should be able to recommend the right one for you.