How to grow Gardenias
Gardenias are stunning evergreen shrubs with glossy green leaves and fragrant white or cream flowers. They flower from late spring to early summer and then spot flower throughout the warmer months of the year. They can be grown as specimen plants, standards, mass planted or planted into hedges.
Gardenias prefer full sun to part shade positions and need to be protected from frosts. Ideal growing positions have morning sun and afternoon shade.Regular deep watering throughout the warmer monthsusually about twice a week but it depends on the weather. Prune after flowering. Fertilise gardenias on a regular basis. We recommend Harry’s Camellia Food and applying a seaweed solution like Seasol monthly.Pests and Diseases that affect Gardenias include scale, which is controlled with Pest Oil orEco Oil.
TIPThe delicate flowers bruise easily when touched, so ifpicking for a vase take care not to touch them.
Common Varieties
Gardenia radicans – hardy little groundcover, grows 0.5m high and 1.5m wide with small white flowers. It produces perfumed, double white flowers throughout the year. This excellent groundcover can also be grown in hanging baskets and pots. Position then near your outdoor entertaining area and enjoy the delightful perfume year round.
Gardenia augusta‘Florida’ – grows to1m high and 1m wide with medium sized white flowers. Plant in borders or around patios and courtyards. Suitable for coastal or mountain regions if protected from frosts. For a hedge, plant 50cm apart
Gardenia augusta‘Golden Magic’ – grows 1.5m high and 1m wide with white flowers that yellow / golden with age.
Gardenia augusta‘Ocean Pearl’ – grows 1m high and 1m wide with large double, pearly white blooms.
Gardenia magnifica– grows 2m high and 1.5m wide with large white flowers.
Gardenia jasminoides‘Professor Pucci’- grows 1.2m high and 1.2m wide with large, double milky flowers.
NOTE: Although not a true Gardenia, the Native Gardenia (Randiafitzalanii), is a beautiful rainforest tree, native to the North Coast of Queensland. It will grow to around 4m tall, possibly a little taller in some conditions and makes an excellent small tree for many gardens! This plant is ideal for containers, close to the house to enjoy the wonderful fragrance, or as a small shade tree in the garden and the roots are non-invasive.
By: Meredith Kirton
