Gardenia jasminoides

Gardenia jasminoides, more commonly referred to as gardenia, is a flowering evergreen shrub native to Taiwan, Japan, and China.  Dark, emerald-green, glossy leaves grow in an opposite pattern along woody, greyish-brown stems. Gardenias typically present a rounded distribution of growth, appearing like a semi-sphere of gorgeous foliage and flowers.  Enchanting matte white blooms are available in single or double flowering cultivars, and they exquisitely contrast the dark and shiny foliage they float atop.  Gardenia blooms are not only known for their beauty, but also for the magnificent fragrance that they carry.  Both the fruits and flowers of gardenia plants are edible, with the flowers being commonly eaten raw, preserved in honey, or pickled.  Some Chinese herbal medicines make use of the gardenia fruit to treat fevers and inflammation, as well as atopical dermatitis.  

Growing a healthy gardenia is a significant challenge, and they will need to be grown indoors if your garden is outside of USDA zones 8-11.  Provide gardenias with a location that receives both bright, indirect sunlight as well as afternoon shade.  Direct sun exposure may scorch the delicate foliage, and a partially shaded location should protect them from the harsh midday heat.  It is highly recommended to use an acidic, peat-based, organically rich soil when growing gardenias that are planted in a garden or in pots.  A peat-based mix should provide the acidity and well-draining qualities that are necessary for keeping a gardenia healthy.  Adding a teaspoon of agriculture-grade sulfur may benefit a gardenia by helping to reduce the pH further.  When planted outdoors, provide an inch of water weekly directly to the base of the plant.  Watering the base of the plant can help to reduce the chance of foliage fungal infections.  During the winter, or when kept in a pot, water gardenia plants just often enough to keep the soil gently moistened.  Gardenia should be kept in an environment with high humidity and temperatures ranging between 70°F / 21°C and 82°F / 28°C throughout the day.  If kept indoors, it is crucial to provide a humidifier or consistent misting.  Feed with an acid-rich fertilizer in the middle of spring and at the beginning of summer, but use a slightly more diluted solution than the recommended instruction to prevent over-fertilization.  

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3-6 hours of sun per day, with protection from intense mid-day sun

Water moderately, allowing the top 3cm to dry out between watering.