Introducing...
Gardenia
Botanical name: Gardenia
Common name: Gardenia
Gardenias are tender shrubs, usually grown as houseplants, with richly fragrant summer flowers. They can be a little tricky to grow, but if you provide the right amount of light, warmth and moisture, you’ll be rewarded with blooms for months on end. Gardenias can also be grown outdoors in summer.
Looks
These small shrubs produce highly fragrant creamy-white flowers in summer, 5–10cm (2–4in) across, set against glossy, dark green leaves. As houseplants, they grow to about 45cm (18in) tall, but can grow larger in a conservatory.
Likes
Gardenias need bright light, but not strong sun, high humidity and consistently moist, ericaceous compost. They prefer 21–24°C (70–75°F), with slightly cooler night-time and winter temperatures, but always above 16°C (60°F). They can also be grown outside in summer, in a warm, sheltered spot in partial shade.
Dislikes
Gardenias can’t tolerate waterlogged or dry compost, a hot, dry atmosphere, strong summer sun or deep shade. Most are tender, so must be kept indoors over winter. They dislike large temperature fluctuations, which can cause the flower buds to drop.
Did you know?
Gardenias are acid-loving plants, which means they need an ericaceous compost, with a pH below 7 – see our guide to soil pH. If you live in a hard water area, then water gardenias with rainwater whenever possible, to maintain the compost’s acidity. You can also feed with an ericaceous fertiliser.
Growing guide
How to grow gardenias
All the information you’ll need to grow gardenias successfully in your home.
Gardenias we recommend
Gardenia jasminoides 'Crown Jewel'PBR (d)
- 0.5–1 metres
- 0.5–1 metres
Gardenia jasminoides 'Kleim's Hardy'
Cape jasmine 'Kleim's Hardy'
- 0.5–1 metres
- 0.5–1 metres
Gardenia jasminoides 'Crown Jewel'PBR (d)
- 0.5–1 metres
- 0.5–1 metres
Gardenia jasminoides 'Kleim's Hardy'
Cape jasmine 'Kleim's Hardy'
- 0.5–1 metres
- 0.5–1 metres
Useful advice
Fragrant plants
Houseplants for different locations
How to grow houseplants
Humidity for houseplants
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.