Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | White | Green | ||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter | Green |
Position
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H3Botanical details
- Family
- Rubiaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Bushy
- Genus
Gardenia are bushy evergreen shrubs or trees, with attractive glossy leaves and large, fragrant white funnel- or bowl-shaped flowers with from 5 to 11 lobes
- Name status
Trade
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in neutral to acidic, humus-rich soil in a bright position with shade from hot sun. In areas with harsh winters, grow in containers of ericaceous compost so that the pots can be moved under glass during cold snaps
Propagation
Propagate by greenwood cuttings in early summer or semi-ripe cuttings in late summer
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- City and courtyard gardens
- Patio and container plants
- Sub-tropical
- Conservatory and greenhouse
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
See pruning group 9
Pests
May be susceptible to glasshouse whitefly and mealybugs
Diseases
May be susceptible to grey moulds
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.