gardenia augusta (gardenia jasminoides)

I bought a gardenia last year to add to my container garden, and it lasted throughout the mild San Diego winter, and has just come into flower this year with the first buds opening yesterday. The gardenia augusta is native to China, Taiwan, and Japan. This evergreen shrub has glossy bright green lance-shaped leaves and intensely fragrant single or double white flowers.

In order to grow this plant successfully, it must have summer heat and well drained soil. For flower buds to form a night temperature of 60-65 degrees is required, and the day temperature should be about 10 degrees higher. An even temperature and careful watering are needed to prevent the buds dropping off, and soft water is recommended to prevent the leaves from turning yellow (although the water in my area is very hard, and I have not had too much trouble).

Gardenia Facts

Bloom time: Late spring and summer.
Exposure: Morning sun or partial shade.
Soil: Fast draining, moisture retentive soil with plenty of organic matter, such as peat moss or ground bark.
Average Size: Compact in container 2-3 feet high; tall upright 4-6 feet high.
Growth rate: Once flowering, successive flowers form quickly.
Water: Keep uniformly moist during growing season. Do not let dry out. Mist leaves.
Fertilizing: Feed every 3-4 weeks during growing season with acid plant food.
Pruning: Prune to remove dead wood, straggling branches, faded flowers.

Gardenia makes a very beautiful container plant, and can be used in raised beds, hedges, and low screens. It also makes a beautiful indoor plant creating a beautiful fragrance in any room.