Gardenia taitensis
Gardenia taitensis
Tahitian Gardenia
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Description
Gardenia taitensis, the famed Tahitian gardenia, is a lush evergreen shrub with glossy leaves and intensely fragrant white pinwheel flowers. In warm, humid conditions it blooms for months, perfuming the garden or patio with a classic tropical scent.
Common Names
Tahitian GardeniaTiaré TahitiTiare FlowerTahitian TiareTiare Tahiti
Context
nativeRegion
Polynesia (notably Tahiti and the Society Islands); widely cultivated across the South Pacific.
usdaZones
10–12 (container culture recommended in cooler zones).
companionPlants
Hibiscus rosa-sinensis, Plumeria rubra, Ixora coccinea, Cordyline fruticosa (Ti plant), Alpinia zerumbet (shell ginger)
culturalUses
Iconic tiaré flower for leis and hair adornment; infused into Monoi de Tahiti oil for perfume and skin/hair care; symbolic in Tahitian culture; used in traditional remedies.
Care
Care Requirements
LightBright light with 3–6 hours of gentle direct morning sun; bright indirect the rest. Outdoors, full sun with afternoon shade in hot climates.
WateringKeep evenly moist. Water when the top 1–2 cm (1/2–3/4 in) of soil dries; use rain or filtered water if possible. Avoid waterlogging.
SoilRich, acidic (pH 5.0–6.5), well-draining mix with pine bark, peat/coir, and perlite.
FertilizerFeed with an acid-loving fertilizer every 4–6 weeks from spring to early fall; include iron and micronutrients to prevent chlorosis.
HumidityHigh humidity (60–80%). Use a humidifier, pebble tray, or group plants indoors.
TemperatureWarm conditions: 65–85°F (18–29°C); keep above 55°F (13°C) and protect from drafts or cold snaps.
Growth & Life Cycle
HabitEvergreen, bushy shrub with glossy foliage; can be trained as a small standard.
Mature Size3–10 ft (1–3 m) tall and 3–6 ft (0.9–1.8 m) wide.
Growth RateModerate growth rate.
BloomingHighly fragrant white pinwheel flowers; nearly year-round in the tropics, with peaks from late spring through fall.
DormancyNo true dormancy; growth slows in cooler or short-day periods.
Propagation
Methodssemi-hardwood cuttings, air layering, seeds
DifficultyModerate
Best SeasonLate spring to summer when growth is active and temperatures are warm.
Maintenance & Notes
PruningLightly prune after flushes of bloom to shape and remove spent flowers; avoid heavy pruning late in the season.
RepottingRepot every 1–2 years in spring when rootbound; move up one pot size and refresh with acidic, well-draining mix.
Pests & DiseasesAphids, scale, mealybugs, whiteflies, spider mites; sooty mold from honeydew; bud drop from low humidity, alkaline soil, or temperature swings; root rot if overwatered; iron chlorosis in high pH soil.
ToxicityMildly toxic if ingested by pets (may cause vomiting/diarrhea); sap can irritate sensitive skin.
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