Gardenias are a popular fragrant flowering plant used widely in gardens and regarded as hardy in Zones 8-10, however in cooler area they can be grown in containers and provided shelter indoors or on an enclosed patio they caan flourish.
Gardenia radicans a low growing species is more tolerant of colder climates than other species. (picture right) Gardenia augusta 'Radicans' is a prostrate form, well suited to low garden borders.
Fertilizing Gardenias.
many people find that an all purpose fertilizer does not seem to be adequate for gardenia plants, this is usually to do with soil ph, gardenias prefer a slightly acid soil with a ph of 5-6. We suggest using a specially formulated gardenia fertilizer at all times.
Watering Gardenia Plants
Although Gardenias prefer a humus rich moist soil, they do not like to be water logged, so a free draining soil is best.
Gardenia Plant Species and Cultivars
Gardenia Veitchii will reach 4 - 5 ft and is an outsatnding fragrant plant for warmer areas.
Gardenia thunbergia will grow to be a large shrub and is a stunning garden plant.
Gardenia tubifera (Golden Gardenia) is form South East Asia and has attractive golden yellow flowers.
Gardenia Jasminoides 'August Beauty' has very attractive large flowers in a compact bush, an excellent gardenia.
Gardenia taitensis requires a warm climate, flowers are intersting but perhaps not as spectacularas others. |
