Gardenia Flower Guide: How To ID, Plant, Grow, and Care for Types of Gardenia

How To Grow Gardenias

Learning how to grow Gardenias can be a process of trial and error for beginners and even some more experienced gardeners. Gardenias can be a bit picky and are sensitive to environmental conditions.

Still, many people find the plant well worth the effort.

Knowing when to plant Gardenia for the best yield is key to establishing a healthy plant. In warmer climates, Gardenias are frequently planted in the early fall, allowing them around 6 weeks to adjust and develop their roots before the temperatures fall.

If the climate is cooler, the young Gardenia is much less likely to survive the winter, and most gardeners will opt to plant it in the spring, after the last frost.¹

How To Propagate Gardenia (Growing a Gardenia From a Seed, Cutting, or Seedling)

A person trying their hand at growing a Gardenia for the first time will need as much information as they can get about growing a Gardenia from a seed, cutting, or seedling. While Gardenias can be grown from seed or seedling, the best way may be by taking cuttings.

To propagate Gardenia via cuttings, cut approximately four inches from the end of a branch, just below a leaf node.

Take the cutting during the summer. Select a branch that is about six weeks old and remove all lower leaves.

Dip the stem in rooting hormone and place it in a shallow cup or bottle of water. Roots usually sprout within a few days to weeks.¹²

Transfer the rooted cutting to a container after one month or when the roots are an inch in length. The planting medium should be slightly acidic with ample organic matter.

Other planting tips for Gardenia include testing and amending the soil, allowing space for roots to spread, and choosing a permanent location for the plant.

When growing in the ground outdoors, it’s important to bear in mind how far apart to plant Gardenia. Gardenia should be spaced at least three feet apart when growing a dense hedge or up to eight feet apart when growing plants as separate ornamentals.¹⁴

Tips for Growing Gardenias in Pots

Growing Gardenias in pots is a great method because it allows greater control over the plant’s environment and soil. The most important aspects of container growing for Gardenias is choosing a large enough pot for the plant and choosing the proper placement for the pot.

Pots should have plenty of drainage holes. They should be larger than the plants themselves allowing room for growth.

Make sure the pH of the soil is correct and amend with compost when possible.

Location is key, and Gardenia plants need a semi-permanent home with plenty of indirect sunlight. Once that has been determined, it’s time for moisture control.

Humidity can be maintained by misting leaves in the morning hours or by elevating the pot above shallow water (Ex. Placing the pot on pebbles in a tray and adding water to the tray so it can evaporate).

Fertilize the plant regularly (every few weeks), and prune back any dead parts. Check for pests regularly.²⁸

How To Prune Faded Gardenia Blooms

Gardenia blooms are relatively long-lasting and may be vibrant and beautiful for weeks before they begin to decline. However, when the blossoms fade, the plant can begin to look a little sickly.

This is when it is important to deadhead the old flowers that have faded to brown. Deadheading is very simple, and most dead flowers can be removed by pinching the heads off just below the seed base.

Check the plant weekly during the growing season for spent blooms. This will encourage fresh, new blooms to develop.¹⁵

Best Growing Conditions for Gardenia

Gardenias can be sensitive plants, so it is important to take stock of the best growing conditions for Gardenia and provide the plant the greatest chance to thrive. Cape Jasmine grows best in warm, humid climates.

It prefers fertile soil that is well-draining and acidic. The plant does better when it is not exposed to a lot of direct sunlight.

It prefers indirect sunlight or shade. Gardenia jasminoides does not tolerate root competition well, so adequate space is desirable.¹⁷

Gardenia Growing Zone

Gardenia is a tropical plant, native to the hot, humid climate of Southeast Asia, and the growing zones for Gardenia (where to grow) reflect its origins. Gardenias are commonly grown indoors as houseplants, but when attempting to grow them in a permanent outdoor location, it’s important to be aware of their climate preferences.

The Gardenia growing zone ranges from USDA zones 7b through 11 (See USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map).^17,26

Care of Gardenias Indoors

Gardenia jasminoides is a very common house plant in Europe and North America.¹⁷ Due to its warm climate preferences and inability to tolerate frost, it is grown as a container plant in many parts of the continental U.S., where it can be moved indoors in the winter.

Taking care of Gardenias indoors can be tricky, and the biggest challenge is controlling the pests that are attracted to them and ensuring they get the proper amount of humidity and light.¹

Gardenias prefer cooler temperatures ranging from 55 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit when grown indoors. Even when in a pot, Gardenias must have a stable, stationary location as they do not like being relocated.

Placement near a large window where they can receive several hours of direct sunlight and plenty of indirect light is ideal.

Maintaining humidity can be a challenge, and regular misting or indoor humidifiers are critical in winter months. Avoid direct exposure to heat vents and water whenever the soil feels dry.

It is also very important to keep an eye out for pests as they can proliferate quickly and spread to nearby plants. Mealybugs and whiteflies are especially problematic.

Manual removal and treatment with insecticidal soap or horticultural oil may be required. Prune any diseased or impacted areas.²¹

Outdoor Gardenia Care

Many people will elect to grow their Gardenias in outdoor containers. In the Southern and Southwestern U.S., Gardenias can become a staple in landscape gardening and may even be used in hedging as a substitute for privacy trees.

It is crucial to get the location right and to see to the watering needs for Gardenia plants, particularly in drier climates. Ensure that Gardenias receive at least one inch of water every week.

Another important aspect of Gardenia care is heavy mulching. Not only is mulch a great weed deterrent, but it is also a great way to retain some moisture in the soil.

Gardenias are thirsty and hungry plants, so fertilizer is key for maintaining their vigor. Apply fertilizer for acidic soil plants at least twice each growing season, but every 2 to 4 weeks when possible.^12,16

Gardenias should be mulched heavily for winter and covered on any nights when the temperature is expected to fall below 15 degrees Fahrenheit.¹²

Companion Plants for Growing Gardenia

When considering companion plants for growing Gardenia, it is important to select plants that thrive in acidic soil and do not require full sun. Also, be mindful of plants with aggressive root systems that will tend to outcompete Gardenias.

Gardenias pair well with perennials such as:²

• Azaleas
• Camellias
• Hostas
• Ferns
• Virginia sweetspire

And annuals such as:

• Begonias
• Impatiens

How To Stop Gardenia Disease

Gardenias may be plagued by various pests and diseases. Prevention, early identification, and control are critical.

When Gardenia disease prevention doesn’t work, knowing how to stop Gardenia disease is crucial.

According to the Clemson Cooperative Extension Home & Garden Information Center, diseases that may impact Gardenias include:²²

• Root Rot: A fungal infection resulting from over-watering or poor drainage.
• Powdery Mildew: A fungal disease caused by poor air circulation or too much humidity.
• Stem Canker: Dark stem lesions caused by a fungus that may develop in excess humidity.
• Iron Chlorosis: This is more a deficiency than a disease and is indicated by a yellowing of leaves that suggests the soil needs amending.

The best means of prevention is ensuring the plant’s needs are met, it is healthy and vigorous, does not sustain injury, and is not impacted by pests. Disease control may include fungicide treatment, significant pruning, or even plant removal.

The most common pests of the Gardenia which can make it vulnerable to disease are aphids, mealybugs, and whiteflies.These pests are often controlled through manual removal by shaking or spraying the plant.

Arguably the best natural pest control for Gardenia may be the introduction of biological controls such as lady bugs which feed on aphids and whiteflies. Horticultural oils or insecticidal soaps may be employed to get pest problems in hand.²³

Other Types of Gardenias

Gardenia jasminoides is by far the most prevalent and well-known Gardenia species in its non-native region (Europe, North America, and South America), where it is commonly grown as a houseplant.¹⁷ However, there are more than 200 species of Gardenia, some of which are quite interesting and unique.

This section highlights some of the other types of Gardenias that aren’t otherwise featured in this article.

2. Malara, the Turpentine Tree

Malara, Gardenia pyriformis, is a small tree that grows in the sandy soils of Northern and Western Australia.⁷

3. Mbolovatu

Mbolovatu, Gardenia storckii, is a slender tree native to Fiji. Parts of the plant are used medicinally in local culture, and the tree is a significant source of latex.⁸

What Is Cape Jasmine? (Facts About the Jasmine Cape Flower, Gardenia jasminoides)

Cape Jasmine, Gardenia jasminoides, is an evergreen shrub that is native to the tropics of Southeast Asia. This plant is one of more than 200 species of flowering evergreens in the genus, Gardenia.

Gardenia, in turn, shares its placement in the madder/coffee family, Rubiaceae, with over 600 other genera. Although any species of Gardenia can fairly be called a Gardenia, in the United States, the name refers almost exclusively to the jasmine cape flower.

These are some other interesting Gardenia facts.^5,13

1. G. jasminoides became known as the Cape Jasmine because of its strong jasmine aroma and the fact that it was originally thought to have originated in South Africa on the Cape of Good Hope.
2. Although it is non-native, the Cape Jasmine produces one of the most recognizable types of white flowers in the United States.
3. The delicate, pure white blooms of Cape Jasmine have become a staple in wedding decor, coinciding with Gardenia symbolism of purity and love.²⁰
4. The orange fruit of Gardenias can be made into a dye, and it has been used for this purpose for many years in Eastern Asia.³
5. Species of Gardenia are native only to the Asian, African, and Australian continents, as well as the Pacific Islands.

Gardenias are a beauty of the natural world. Their fragrance is often used in candles and perfumes, and their waxy blossoms are gorgeous in floral decor!

How Much Sunlight Does Gardenia Need Each Day?

Planting a Gardenia in a location where it receives too much or too little sunlight can spell its doom, but how much sunlight does Gardenia need each day? Gardenias enjoy a lot of light, but they prefer indirect sunlight.

They will tolerate up to 6 hours of direct sunlight each day, but that should be in the morning and evening hours when the sun is not its hottest. Direct afternoon sun will often lead to leaf scorch to the detriment of the plant.¹

When Do Gardenias Bloom?

Before introducing Gardenia to your landscape, you may want to know when do Gardenias bloom. Part of the attraction of Gardenias is their long growing season, as they can begin blooming as early as late spring and continue blooming through summer into early fall.

Climate does affect when Gardenias bloom, and they will bloom earlier and later in warmer climates.¹

How Frequently Do Gardenia Plants Produce Flowers?

Another common question is “How frequently do Gardenia plants produce flowers?” The frequency of blooming depends upon how long the flowers last and upon the gardener’s behavior.

Gardenia blooms usually last for several weeks before they begin to dry and wilt, and when this occurs, a gardener can encourage new blossoms by deadheading the old ones.¹

What Does Gardenia Smell Like?

Cape Jasmine is renowned for its strong fragrance which will attract many types of bees, but what does Gardenia smell like? The scent of Gardenias has been described by various sources as floral, fruity and sweet with hints of vanilla, peach, and of course, jasmine!

Some sources suggest the scent changes throughout the day and can be spicy or zesty as well, particularly as the flowers age.^11,27

Why Are My Gardenia Leaves Turning Yellow?

Many people growing Cape Jasmine have found themselves asking “Why are my Gardenia leaves turning yellow?” Yellowing leaves are typically a good indication that the plant is suffering from root rot, a result of fungal disease often caused by overwatering or inadequate drainage.

However, it may also signify that the plant is afflicted with chlorosis (particularly if the veins are still green) and requires soil amendment. Note that some yellowing and dropping of old leaves in the spring is normal and occurs to make room for new growth.¹

Do Gardenias Like Acidic Soil?

Gardenias are particular about the soil that they grow in, and often the soil will need to be amended to accommodate the plant’s needs. But do Gardenias like acidic soil or alkaline soil?

Gardenias have a strong preference for acidic soil with a pH range between 5 and 6.5., and they also thrive in soil that has organic matter added.¹

Though the Cape Jasmine plant and its relatives were used traditionally in herbal medicine and to make yellow dyes, in most of the contemporary world, their primary function is aesthetic.

Gardenias can be difficult to grow, and this article provides some guidelines to nurturing this beautiful tropical plant in any garden.

Frequently Asked Question About Gardenia