Gardenia jasminoides
Gardenia jasminoides
Gardenia
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Description
Gardenia jasminoides, the beloved cape jasmine, is an evergreen shrub prized for its glossy leaves and intensely fragrant white blooms. With acidic soil, steady moisture, and warm, humid conditions, it rewards growers with luxurious flowers from late spring and often again in summer.
Common Names
GardeniaCape jasmineCommon gardeniaKuchi (Japanese)
Context
nativeRegion
East and Southeast Asia (China, Taiwan, Japan, Vietnam)
usdaZones
8–11 (some cultivars to 7 with protection)
companionPlants
Azalea, Camellia, Hydrangea, Rhododendron, Ferns, Hosta, Heuchera
culturalUses
Ornamental and perfumery plant; fruits used as a natural yellow dye and traditional food colorant (gardenia yellow); referenced in East Asian medicine and symbolism for purity.
Care
Care Requirements
LightBright light with morning sun and afternoon shade outdoors; very bright indirect light indoors. Avoid harsh, all-day summer sun.
WateringKeep evenly moist but never soggy. Water when the top 1–2 cm (1/2–3/4 in) is dry; avoid letting it fully dry out. Use rain or distilled water if tap is alkaline.
SoilRich, well-draining, acidic soil (pH 5.0–6.0). Use an azalea/camellia mix with bark, peat/coir, and perlite.
FertilizerFeed with an acid-loving plant fertilizer every 4–6 weeks spring through early fall. Pause in winter. Apply chelated iron if leaves yellow from high pH.
HumidityHigh humidity (50–70%+). Use a humidifier, pebble tray, or group plants; increase airflow to prevent disease.
TemperatureIdeal 18–24°C (65–75°F) by day, 16–18°C (60–65°F) at night. Protect below 10°C (50°F) and from temperature swings to prevent bud drop.
Growth & Life Cycle
HabitDense, evergreen, multi-stemmed shrub with glossy leaves and highly fragrant white flowers.
Mature SizeTypically 3–6 ft (0.9–1.8 m) tall and wide; some cultivars to 8 ft (2.4 m).
Growth RateModerate growth under warm, humid, acidic conditions.
BloomingMain flush late spring to early summer; often sporadic rebloom into early fall. Flowers age from white to cream.
DormancyEvergreen; growth slows in cool weather but does not fully go dormant.
Propagation
MethodsSemi-hardwood stem cuttings, Air layering, Simple layering, Seed
DifficultyModerate
Best SeasonLate spring through summer for cuttings and layering; sow seeds in warm spring conditions.
Maintenance & Notes
PruningLightly prune and deadhead after the main bloom to shape and encourage branching. Avoid heavy pruning late fall or winter.
RepottingRepot every 2–3 years in spring, stepping up only one pot size. Keep root ball intact and use acidic mix.
Pests & DiseasesScale, aphids, whiteflies, spider mites, and mealybugs; sooty mold from honeydew; bud drop from low humidity or temp swings; chlorosis from high pH; root rot if overwatered.
ToxicityMildly toxic to pets if ingested (GI upset). Sap may irritate sensitive skin.