Gardenias

A genus of shrubs and trees that are part of the larger Rubiaceae family.



Gardenias need very acid soils PH 4.5 to 5

Gardenia capensis
A slow growing tree, reaching a maximum size of 50 x 20 ( rarely over 40 ) feet, that is native to South Africa.
The leaves are up to 4 x 1.5 inches in size.
Hardy north to zone 9

Gardenia carinata
A tree native to Malaysia reaching up to 30 feet in 15 years and eventually to 50 x 35 feet at most.
The leaves are large up to 18 x 8 inches in size.
The flowers are up to 4 inches across.
Hardy north to zone 10; it is not drought or salt tolerant

Gardenia imperialis
Native to west Africa and reaching up to 66 feet.
The leaves are huge up to 20 x 10 inches
The flowers are up to 8 inches wide.
Hardy north to zone 10

Gardenia jasminoides
A beautiful evergreen shurb or rarely a small tree reaching as much as 40 x 12 feet. Moderate growth rate up to 2 feet per year. It is native from Pakistan to central & eastern China, Korea & Japan; south to India & Malaysia.
The leathery, elliptical leaves, up to 10 x 3 ( rarely over 6 ) inches in size, are glossy deep green.
The fragrant, white flowers, up to 5 inches wide, are borne during summer.
They are followed by an orangish-yellow berry.
Hardy zones 8 to 11 in full sun to partial shade on light, fertile, acidic, well drained soil that is mulched. Common in Florida and the southeast, preferring hot humid summers and known to tolerate as high as 125 F. It is not salt tolerant and can be prone to white fly, scale & mealybug.
Propagation is from softwood cuttings taken during spring, as well as semi-ripe cuttings taken during summer.

* photo taken on July 25 in Ellicott City, MD

* photo taken on Sep 9 2021 in Columbia, MD

'August Beauty'
A fast growing, medium-sized, rounded shrub; reaching up to 3.3 x 3.3 feet in 3 years, 6 x 6 feet in 10 years, eventually slightly broader.
The leathery foliage is glossy deep green.
The fragrant, large, creamy-white, double flowers, up to 3 inches wide, appear over a long season from late spring thru late summer.
They are followed by fruits that ripen to orange during autumn and persist into winter.
Hardy zones 8 to 11.

* photo taken on April 17 2010 in Columbia, MD

* photo taken on Oct 11 2020 in Elkridge, MD

'Celestial Star'
Vigorous yet compact, dense and rounded in habit, reaching up to 3 x 3 feet in 2 years, eventually to 4 x 4 feet or slightly larger.
The lance-shaped leaves, up to 3 x 0.8 inches in size, are glossy deep green.
It is a repeat bloomer. The fragrant, double, pure white flowers, up to 2.3 inches wide, appear during both late spring and autumn.
Hardy zones 7 to 9/ It has superior root rot resistance.

* photos taken on Oct 15 2018 in Elkridge, MD

* photos taken on Aug 21 2022 in Elkridge, MD

* photo taken on Oct 10 2023 in Elkridge, MD

* photo taken on Oct 17 2023 in Laurel, MD

'Chuck Hayes'
Probably the most cold hardy of all Gardenias reaching up to 5 feet in 12 years, eventually to 6 x 7 feet. Moderate growing, cuttings can grow to a full 1.5 foot tall plant in a single season.
The leaves up to 7 x 3 inches in size, are glossy deep green.
The very fragrant, white, semi-double flowers, to 3 inches wide, are borne abundantly during early summer, sporadically during mid to late summer then repeating abundantly during autumn.
Hardy north to zone 6b. Stems regrow if killed to ground ( which occurs at around -5 F ). Deer resistant and exceptionally sun tolerant.

* photos taken on June 23 2013 @ U.S. National Arboretum, DC

* photos taken on Sep 23 2013 in Burtonsville, MD

* photo taken on Dec 13 2013 in Ellicott City, MD

* photo taken @ U.S. Botanical Garden, Wash., DC on Aug 25 2014

* photo taken on Aug 30 2021 @ U.S. National Arboretum, Washington, DC

* patent photo

'Crown Jewels'
A moderate growing, low growing shrub, reaching up to 2 x 5 feet in 10 years. Some records include: 2 years - 1.5 x 2 feet; 4 years - 2 feet, largest on record - 5 feet.
The leathery, glossy mid-green leaves are smaller than that of the species. The elliptical leaves are rarely as large as 2 x 0.8 inches in size.
The abundant, double, pure white flowers are fragrant. They appear during early summer, lasting up to 4 weeks.
Hardy zones 7 to 10.

* photo taken on Sep 25 2013 in Damascus, MD

* patent photo

'Daisy'
A dense, mounding shrub, reaching up to 3 x 3 feet in 10 years with an eventual maximum size of 4 x 5 feet.
The foliage is glossy deep green.
The very fragrant, pure white, single flowers, up to 3 inches wide, are borne during late spring then sporadically through the summer. The flowers are very abundant, a 2 year plant may bear over 100 blooms.
Hardy zones 7a to 10.

* photos taken on July 1 2013 in Columbia, MD

* photo taken on Oct 11 2020 in Elkridge, MD

* photo taken on Aug 28 2023 in Elkridge, MD

* photos taken on Oct 17 2023 in Laurel, MD

'Diamond Spire'
Upright and columnar in habit, reaching up to 1.8 x 1 feet in 2 years, eventually to 4 x 2 feet.
The foliage is very glossy, deep green. The broadly ovate, crinkled leaves are up to 2 x 1.8 inches in size.
The very fragrant, white single flowers, up to 2 inches wide, appear during late spring, repeating during late summer into autumn.
Hardy zones 7 to 9

* patent photos

'Double Mint'
A moderate growing, compact, dense, rounded shrub, reaching up to 2 x 1.8 feet in 3 years, eventually to 3 x 3 feet.
The foliage is glossy deep green. The leaves are up to 2.3 x 0.8 inches in size.
The very fragrant, double white flowers, up to 2 inches across, appear during late spring, repeating during late summer into autumn.
Hardy zones 7 to 9, it has excellent resistance to root diseases.

* photo taken on Sep 27 2020 in Elkridge, MD

* photo taken on Apr 29 2022 in Elkridge, MD

* patent photo

'Florida'
Reaches a maximum size of 6.5 x 6.5 feet, with pure white flowers.

'Fortuniana'
Slow growing and rounded in habit, reaching a maximum size of 8 x 7 feet.
The leathery, oval leaves, up to 4 inches in length, are glossy deep green.
The large, fragrant, double flowers are white.

'Frostproof'
Rapid growing, reaching up to 4 x 6 feet in 10 years, with an eventual maximum size of 6 x 6 feet. It makes a great low hedge.
The foliage is bright green at first, turning to glossy deep green. The foliage resembles that of 'Radicans'.
The sweetly-fragrant, white, double flowers, up to 2 inches wide, appear during late spring.
Hardy zones 7b to 10 ( reports of 6 on very protected sites however with winter dieback ).

* photos taken on Oct 6 2012 in Howard Co., MD

* photo taken on Apr 16 2013 in Burtonsville, MD
* photo taken on May 4 2013 in Columbia, MD

* photo taken on July 15 2013 in Harford Co., MD

'Golden Magic'
A medium-sized shrub, reaching up to 8 x 6 feet.
The leathery foliage is glossy deep green.
The fragrant, double flowers, up to 6 inches across, are pure white, later deepening to creamy-white then finally golden-yellow. They are borne all summer long.
Hardy zones 8 to 10.

'Grif's Select'
Reaches up to 4 x 5 feet and is similar to 'Kleims Hardy'.
The small foliage is glossy deep green.
The white, single flowers, up to 2 inches wide, appear late spring to mid-summer.
Reported hardy north to zone 5 on protected sites however likely with winter dieback below 0 F.

* photo taken on July 28 2021 in Columbia, MD

* photo taken on Oct 23 2024 @ U.S. National Arboretum, Wash, DC

'Grandiflora'
Larger leaves and pure white flowers.

'Heaven Scent'
Moderate growing, dense and upright in habit, reaching up to 4 x 4 feet in 10 years, with an eventual maximum size of 6 feet. It makes a great plant for patio containers.
The foliage is glossy deep green.
The abundant, very fragrant, single, white flowers are borne during late spring, repeating during summer and fall.
They are followed by showy orange and red seedheads during autumn.
Hardy zones 6b to 9.

* photos taken on Sep 16 2013 in Columbia, MD

* photo taken on Sep 23 2013 in Burtonsville, MD

* patent photo

'Jubilation'
Fast growing, compact, upright to rounded in habit, reaching up to 4 x 4 feet. It is useful for low hedges and mass planting.
The narrow elliptic leaves are up to 2.7 x 1.5 inches in size. The attractive foliage is deep green.
The abundant, fragrant, white, double flowers, up to 3 inches wide, appear during late spring, then repeat randomly into autumn.
Hardy zones 7 to 10

* patent photos

'Kleims Hardy'
Moderate growing, reaching up to 2 feet in 2 years and an eventual maximum size of 5 x 7.5 ( rarely over 4 ) feet.
The leathery foliage is glossy very deep green.
The very fragrant, white, single flowers, up to 2 inches wide, appear early summer into early autumn.
They are sometimes followed by orange berries, up to 1 inch.
Hardy zones 7b to 10 in full sun to partial shade. Among the hardiest if Gardenias, it tolerates -3 F with only minor leaf burn if planted on a site protected from wind and full sun during the winter. It is worth a try even in sheltered areas of zone 6 and is even known to have survived -14 F with winter dieback however with regrowth and bloom the following summer. Deer resistant.

* photo taken on October 17 2010 @ U.S. National Arboretum, D.C.

* photo taken on Oct 6 2012 in Howard Co., MD

* photos taken on June 23 2013 @ U.S. National Arboretum, DC

* photo taken on Aug 1 2021 in Columbia, MD

* photo taken on Dec 19 2021 in Columbia, MD

* photo taken on Oct 11 2022 in Columbia, MD

* photo taken on Dec 21 2022 in Columbia, MD

* photo taken on June 11 2024 in Columbia, MD

* photos taken on Sep 1 2024 in Columbia, MD

'Magnifica'
Semi-double, creamy-white flowers.

'Mystery'
Vigorous, dense and compact, reaching up to 6 x 6 feet in 10 years, reaching an eventual maximum size of 8 x 10 ( usually much smaller ) feet.
The leathery foliage is glossy deep green.
The abundant, fragrant, large, creamy-white, semi-double to double flowers, up to 5 inches across, appear late spring into late summer.
Hardy zones 8 to 10.

'Pinwheel'
Reaches up to 4 x 4 feet, with luxuriant mid-green foliage and fragrant, white, pinwheel shaped flowers up to 2.5 inches across. It blooms profusely during late summer, repeating later in summer into early fall. It is a fantasic plant for large patio planters.
Hardy zones 6 to 9.

* photo taken on Oct 15 2018 in Elkridge, MD

'Radicans'
Rapid growing, reaching up to 3 x 4 feet in 10 years, with an eventual maximum size of 3 x 6 feet, with spreading stems that root as they touch the ground. It can be used for groundcover and foundation plantings.
The leathery, glossy deep green leaves are smaller than that of the species.
The abundant, fragrant, white, semi-double flowers, up to 2 inches wide, appear late spring into late summer.
Hardy zones 8 to 10 ( 7b on protected sites ).

'Scentamazing'
Very compact, dense and rounded in habit, reaching up to 1.2 x 1.8 feet in 3 years, eventually to 4 x 4 feet. It is great for foundation plantings.
The attractive foliage is glossy deep green throughout the year. The obovate leaves are up to 2.2 x 1 inches in size.
The very abundant, very fragrant, white, single flowers appear during late spring, then repeat during early autumn.
Hardy zones 6b to 9, it has superior sun tolerance and resistance to root rot.

'Shooting Star'
Reaches a maximum size of 8 feet, with large leaves and large, fragrant, white, single flowers during late spring to early summer.
Hardy north to zone 7, possibly even 6 as a dieback shrub on protected sites.

'Snow Girl'
Compact in habit, reaching up to 1 x 2.3 feet in 2 years, eventually to 3 x 3 feet or slightly more.
The elliptical leaves are up to 1 x 0.3 inches in size. The fine-textured foliage is glossy deep green.
Abundant, very fragrant, single white flowers, up to 1.6 inches wide, appear during late spring, then repeat randomly until autumn frost.
Hardy zones 7 to 9

* patent photos

'Summer Snow'
A fast growing shrub, reaching up to 5 x 5 feet in 15 years, eventual maximum size may be slightly larger. It is one of the fastest growing, hardy gardenia cultivars, one plant was reported to have reached 4 x 5 feet in just 2 years.
The large, broad foliage is very glossy deep green. The elliptical leaves are up to 4 x 1.8 inches in size.
The very fragrant, large, pure white, double flowers, up to 3 inches wide, are borne during late spring into early summer.
Hardy zones 7 to 9 ( 6 on protected sites ).

* photo taken on June 9 2017 in Columbia, MD

* photos taken on July 13 2017 in Columbia, MD

* photos taken on Aug 1 2017 in Columbia, MD

* photo taken on Aug 16 2017 in Columbia, MD

* photo taken on Oct 3 2017 in Columbia, MD

* photo taken on Dec 1 2017 in Columbia, MD

* photo taken on Nov 28 2018 in Columbia, MD

* photo taken on Jan 9 2020 @ London Town Gardens, Edgewater, MD

* photos taken on Oct 11 2020 in Columbia, MD

* photos taken on Dec 17 2020 in Columbia, MD

* photos taken on June 18 2021 in Columbia, MD

* photos taken on July 5 2021 in Columbia, MD

* photos taken on Aug 14 2021 in Columbia, MD

* photos taken on Oct 21 2021 in Columbia, MD

* photo taken on July 12 2022 in Columbia, MD

* photo taken on Sep 3 2022 in Columbia, MD

* photos taken on Sep 23 2022 in Columbia, MD

* photo taken on Oct 29 2022 in Columbia, MD

* photo taken on June 13 2024 in Columbia, MD

* photos taken on Aug 4 2024 in Columbia, MD

* photos taken on Sep 9 2024 in Columbia, MD

* patent photo

'Swan Maiden'
Moderate growing, dense, compact and rounded, reaching up to 1.8 x 2.2 feet in 4 years, 3.1 x 4 feet in 8 years, eventually slightly larger. It tyipcally grows about 6 inches per year. It makes a great low hedge.
The foliage is glossy deep green. The oblanceolate leaves are up to 1.2 x 0.4 inches in size.
Very abundant, fragrant, white, 6-petal, single, flowers, up to 2.3 inches wide, appear during spring, repeating sporadically into autumn.
Hardy zones 7 to 9, it has superior resistance to root rot.

* photo taken on Apr 24 2023 in Elkridge, MD

* patent photos

'Swan Princess'
Moderate growing but compact and mounding, up to 2 x 2 feet in 4 years , 2.6 x 3 feet in 8 years, eventually slightly larger. It typically grows about 7 inches per year. It makes a great foundation plant where windows are low.
The attractive, fine-textured foliage is glossy mid-green above, yellowish-green beneath. The oblanceolate leaves are up to 1.5 x 0.5 inches in size.
The fragrant, white, double flowers, up to 2.3 inches wide, appear during late spring, then repeats abundantly into autumn.
Hardy zones 7 to 9 ( 6b ). It has superior resistance to root rot.

* patent photo

'Swan Queen'
Vigorous, upright and rounded to domed, up to 3.1 feet in 4 years, 4.2 x 5 feet in 8 years, eventually slightly larger. It makes a great hedge.
The attractive foliage is glossy deep green above, yellowish-green beneath. The obovate leaves are up to 2 x 1.1 inches in size.
The fragrant, white, double flowers, up to 3.5 inches wide, appear during late spring, then repeats abundantly into autumn.
Hardy zones 7 to 9 ( 6b ). It has superior resistance to root rot.

* photo taken on Sep 10 2022 in Elkridge, MD

* patent photo

'Sweetheart'
Fast growing, dense and compact in habit, reaching up to 4 x 4 feet.
The obovate glossy deep green. The lance-shaped leaves are up to 2.8 x 0.8 inches in size.
The fragrant and single, white flowers, up to 2.3 inches wide, appear during late spring and autumn.
Hardy zones 7 to 9. It has superior rot resistance.

* photos taken on Apr 26 2019 in Elkridge, MD

* photo taken on Sep 27 2020 in Elkridge, MD

* photo taken on Aug 28 2023 in Elkridge, MD

* photo taken on Oct 10 2023 in Elkridge, MD

* photo taken on Oct 17 2023 in Laurel, MD

'Sweet Star'
Moderate growing, ery compact, rounded and dense in habit, reaching up to 2.6 x 4 feet in 8 years, eventually to 4 x 5 feet.
The foliage is glossy deep green. The lance-shaped leaves are up to 1.8 x 0.6 inches in size.
The abundant, white, single flowers, up to 2 inches wide, appear during late spring, repeating during summer into autumn.
They are followed by attractive orange fruits during autumn.
Hardy zones 7 to 9

* patent photo

'Sweet Tea'
Compact, upright to rounded in habit, reaching up to 2 x 1.8 feet in 3 years, eventually to 5 x 5 feet.
The foliage is glossy deep green. The lance-shaped leaves are up to 2.3 x 0.8 inches in size.
Fragrant, large, double white flowers, up to 5 inches wide, appear during spring, then repeat abundantly during autumn.
Hardy zones 7 to 9 ( possibly 6b on very protected site ).

* photo taken on Sep 29 2020 in Elkridge, MD

* photos taken on Aug 21 2022 in Elkridge, MD

* patent photos

'Variegata'
Moderately fast growing and rounded in habit, reaching up to 5 feet in 8 years, with an eventual maximum size of 6 x 6 feet.
The gray-green foliage is boldly-margined creamy-yellow.
Hardy north to zone 7b

* photo taken on June 23 2013 @ U.S. National Arboretum

'Veitchii'
Upright in habit, reaching a maximum size of 10 x 7 feet.
The foliage is glossy deep green.
The very fragrant flowers, up to 1.5 inches across, are double and white.

* photo of unknown internet source

Gardenia latifolia
A large tree native to India & southeast Asia that can reach up to 40 feet with a trunk up to 1.3 feet in diameter.
The huge leaves reach up to 12 x 12 inches in size.
The flowers are up to 4 inches wide.
Hardy zones 10 to 12.

Gardenia palustris
to 35 feet in height with leaves up to 8 x 4 inches

Gardenia taitensis ( Tahitian Gardenia )
A very attractive tree reaching up to 30 feet in height. Slow growing, it can grow up to 1 foot per year.
The large, ovate leaves, up to 10 inches in length, are glossy deep green.
The flowers are creamy-white.
Hardy zones 10 to 12 in sun or shade. It is flood tolerant.

Gardenia tubifera
A tree, reaching a maximum height of 100 feet, that is native to southeast Asia.
The leaves are up to 10 x 4 inches in size.
The flowers are up to 3.5 inches across.
Hardy north to zone 10b