Gardenias are popular evergreen shrubs in NZ that are grown for their long flowering, glossy foliage, and fragrant flowers. They are generally trouble free, easy to grow, and very rewarding. Their versatility for growing in pots, for hedging, and for including in mixed plantings makes them well sought after. Follow our tips to get the most from your Gardenias.
Planting a Gardenia in NZ and getting it to grow well is generally easy when you get a few of the basics right. This involves planting them in the right soil type, choosing the most ideal planting position, selecting the best variety, and ensuring the plants have the essentials to thrive. The Plant Company has the right advice to give you the greatest chance of success when growing Gardenias.
Gardenias grow well in New Zealand, though they do prefer the warmer regions. In colder climates they can experience frost damage, particularly when they are small. That said, they will cope with moderate frosts the following season after plantings.
Some varieties of Gardenia are better suited to New Zealand growing conditions than others:
Gardenias are generally considered to be moderate growers, meaning they won't explode in size overnight. They typically add somewhere between 30-60 cm of growth per year until they reach maturity. However, the exact growth rate will depend on the variety of Gardenia, the climate, and the quality of the soil. They thrive in full sun and with a well-drained soil. Here are some tips for encouraging your Gardenia grow quickly:
With proper care, your Gardenia plant should grow quickly and provide you with years of enjoyment.
Choose a full sun position with good drainage and moderate shelter for your Gardenia plant. The hole should be dug to at least 50-75% deeper and wider than the container the plant is currently growing in. A planting spade makes the hole digging a lot easier. The Plant Company recommends incorporating compost or sheep pellets into the soil to provide additional organic material, but this is not essential. Do not put fertiliser in the bottom of the hole, rather spread that on the soil surface after planting, and preferably do this when the plant is actively growing in spring.
Remove the plant from the container it is growing in by either pulling it free or by cutting the bag. We recommend cutting the bag or container, especially for larger grade plants, to minimise any chance of damaging the roots. If the roots have been growing in a circle or are all bound up you can tease them apart if you want but this is not essential. Similarly, you don’t need to remove any of the growing media. The Plant Company does not recommend cutting the roots, even if the plant is root-bound as this offers no benefit. This is explained in our article, Managing Rootbound Plants.
Now place the plant in the hole and make sure it is level with the soil surface before filling in around it. If it is above the soil surface, dig more out. If it is below, put in more soil and retest the level. Once the plant is set level with the soil surface, add more soil gradually and firm it around the plant using gentle pressure as you go. Scatter fertiliser for acid loving plants across the soil surface after planting and the give the plant a good watering.
Gardenias look amazing when managed appropriately in a pot. Choose a pot that is no more than twice the size of what the plant is currently growing in and that has plenty of drainage holes in the bottom. Fill the bottom of the pot to about 1/3 of the way up with potting mix. Do not use soil or compost when growing plants in a container and do not add fertiliser. The Plant Company potting mix has all the nutrients required to sustain the plant for the next 12 months.
Remove the plant from the container it is growing in by either pulling it free or by cutting the bag. We recommend cutting the bag or container, especially for larger grade plants, to minimise any chance of damaging the roots. If the roots have been growing in a circle or are all bound up you can tease them apart if you want but this is not essential. Similarly, you don’t need to remove any of the growing media. The Plant Company does not recommend cutting the roots, even if the plant is root-bound as this offers no benefit. This is explained in our article, Managing Rootbound Plants. Add more potting mix and firm this around the plant using gentle pressure, then water well. They should be watered twice a week during hot weather and weekly or fortnightly during cooler periods.
The key to having an amazing Gardenia in a pot is to keep trimming it to keep it shapely, contained, and dense. Typically, the plants would be lightly clipped every 2-3 months.
The best season to plant Gardenias is anytime from autumn through spring. During this time they will establish before the heat of summer arrives. You can still plant in summer, but you’ll need to pay more attention to watering them.
A full sun or partial shade position with good drainage is essential for getting the best results with Gardenias. On poorly drained sites or with over-watering they tend to become stunted, sickly looking, and may even die. In partial shade conditions they can be become “leggy” and flowering is often reduced. The position should also be moderately sheltered so fresh growth is not damaged by wind, and this will help produce a better shaped plant overall. They are generally regarded as frost tolerant, though alpine environments or areas that experience very heavy frosts should be avoided.
Caring for Gardenias is about making sure the plants are thriving. Our plant care articles provide the necessary details to give you the greatest chance of success. Afterall, there is nothing worse than investing in the plants, putting the effort into planting them, and then having them fail. Therefore, follow our advice and give yourself the best chance of success.
Caring for Gardenias is all about knowing what to do in each season. Even though they are low maintenance plants, they will benefit from the attention you provide.
Winter is the perfect time for mulching around your plants. Organic matter such as compost or sheep pellets should be spread liberally around the plants and then overlaid with a mulch. The Plant Company has two very good options for mulch. The first is coco fibre matting which is made from the husks of coconuts. It breaks down to become part of the soil within two years. The second is the black plastic matting which will last 20 years or more. In both instances The Plant Company recommend stones, bark chip, or other similar products be spread over top of the mulch for aesthetic purposes. The Plant Company do not recommend adding fertiliser during winter as this is better applied in spring so less is wasted. However, adding organic matter is quite okay.
Spring is the perfect time for fertilising the plants as they start to bounce into life and flower buds begin to open. The Plant Company has fertilisers which have been specially blended for different plants and in this instance, our fertiliser for acid loving plants will give them the correct boost and keep them fed for 12-months. A suitable alternative is organic fertiliser which will also keep them well fed but it will require a secondary application in autumn.
Summer is when the plants need regular watering, and this should be undertaken daily on the hottest days. Plants that are establishing need particular attention as their root system will not have penetrated deep enough to secure consistent moisture yet. Summer is also the season when varieties that have finished flowering should be trimmed if this is required. Please refer to our section on pruning and trimming for details on how to do this correctly.
Caring for Gardenias in autumn is all about finishing any trimming and keeping the plants healthy. Foliar feeding using a liquid fertiliser can be undertaken during spring, summer, and autumn if you have time, but this is not essential if solid fertiliser and/or good amounts of organic matter have already been applied. If you think the plants need an extra boost or have some yellowing, however, a liquid fertiliser won’t hurt.
Check plants for any pest or disease issues during spring, summer, and autumn. If anything is looking unusual at any time of year, refer to our section on Gardenia diseases, problems, and solutions for further information.
Providing the best fertiliser for Gardenia plants is important to ensure they thrive. The correct fertiliser depends on whether the plant is grown in a pot or in soil, and getting this wrong can be disastrous for your plants. Our articles provide the best advice about fertilising Gardenias so you can achieve the amazing results you are after.
Epsom Salts contains Magnesium sulphate which stops the yellowing on Gardenia leaves due to a magnesium deficiency. There are two common methods for applying Epsom salts to Gardenias. You can either spray is onto the leaves or apply it to the soil.
The Plant Company recommends that Gardenias grown in a garden are only fertilized once a year with shrub fertiliser. This blend has been designed to keep plants sustained with nutrients for 12-months. Similarly, if the plant is being grown in a pot, use either container plant fertiliser or fertiliser tablets to give the plants nutrition for 12-months. Foliar feeding using a liquid fertiliser can be undertaken if you think the plant needs an extra boost or has some yellowing. A great benefit of foliar feeding is that it helps keep the leaves strong and lush as the nutrition is right where the plant needs it.
Gardenias grown in containers require different fertiliser to those grown outdoors in soil. In this instance the correct fertilisers to use are either the container plant fertiliser or fertiliser tablets. Each of these will provide safe, sustained, and complete nutrition to the plant for the next 12-months. Using other types of fertiliser can be detrimental to the plant and may result in plant injury or death.
Foliar feeding using a liquid fertiliser can be undertaken if you have time but this is not essential if container plant fertiliser or fertiliser tablets have been used. If you think the plant needs an extra boost or has some yellowing, however, a liquid fertiliser application won’t hurt. A great benefit of foliar feeding is that it helps keep the leaves strong and lush as the nutrition is right where the plant needs it.
Gardenias are lush plants that require feeding to keep them growing optimally and they do require an acidic fertiliser. The Plant Company’s fertiliser for acid loving plants has been blended to give plants an initial boost and then sustained nutrition for 12-months. We recommend the fertiliser is applied to the soil surface in spring just as the plants start to grow actively. More importantly, we advise that no fertiliser is placed in the hole at planting, but rather spread around the soil surface so it can wash through the roots as it releases. This Plant Company’s fertiliser for acid loving plants ensures that nutrients remain in the soil around the plant rather than being lost through the soil profile to where the plant cannot reach it. This also applies to plants grown on sandy soils. The Plant Company’s fertiliser is therefore very environmentally friendly and longer lasting than most other products in the market.
Foliar feeding using a liquid fertiliser can be undertaken if you have time but this is not essential if acid fertiliser has been applied. If you think the plants need an extra boost or have some yellowing, however, a liquid fertiliser application won’t hurt. A great benefit of foliar feeding is that it helps keep the leaves strong and lush.
The soil pH refers to how acid of alkaline the soil is. Gardenias prefer a soil pH within the range of 5 to 6.5 which means they like an acidic soil. As the pH of the soil moves away from this optimum range, the nutrients the plant is taking up (or not taking up) through the roots changes. If the shift in pH is too far, this can result in deficiencies of some nutrients and toxic levels of others. In either case this can cause the plant to become sick or even die a slow death.
The best way to know whether the pH is correct for your plant is to do a test. The Plant Company has pH test kits available that are easy to use and only take a few minutes to get a result. Preferably this test should be completed before planting so any pH issues can be corrected without risking the plant. A pH less 5 should have a sparing amount of dolomite lime applied. A pH above 6.5 should have small amounts of soil acidifying fertiliser along with fertiliser for acid loving plants applied. In both instances the fertiliser should be thoroughly mixed into the soil before planting. A retest of the soil pH should be undertaken after four weeks, and small adjustments made again. If the pH is in the optimum range, just use fertiliser for acid loving plants only.
These short articles provide some insight into Gardenia flowers and flowering.
Gardenias are well-known for their fragrant flowers. Their sweet and intoxicating scent is a major reason for their popularity. In fact, some call their fragrance "heavenly" or "captivating". There are some things to to keep in mind about Gardenia fragrance:
Gardenias are known for their beautiful and fragrant blooms, but the exact duration of their flowering period depends on the variety and growing conditions. In general, they will flower in summer and autumn, although some varieties may produce sporadic blooms throughout the year in warm climates. Each Gardenia flower can last for several weeks, but typically it is 2-3 weeks.
Regularly removing spent flowers (deadheading) encourages the plant to produce more blooms throughout the season. Moreover, providing optimal light, consistent watering, and feeding with a fertilizer for acidic plants can significantly improve the quantity and quality of flowers.
There are over 200 varieties of gardenias, but some of the most popular cultivated varieties include:
These are just a few examples of the many beautiful Gardenia varieties available. With so many choices to select from, you're sure to find a gardenia that perfectly complements your garden.
Jasmine:
Gardenia:
Beauty is subjective, but some Gardenia varieties are known for their particularly stunning flowers in New Zealand. Here are a few contenders for the prettiest blooms:
Ultimately, the prettiest flower for you will depend on your personal preferences. Feel free to explore our Gardenia varieties.
This series of articles answers many of the frequently asked questions about growing Gardenia in NZ, such as how fast they grow, their hardiness, and more!
The size of a Gardenia depends on the variety. They can range from dwarf varieties that only reach 30cm (1ft) tall to larger types that can grow up to 2 metres (6ft) tall.
With proper care, a Gardenia can live for a surprisingly long time - up to 50 years! These fragrant flowering shrubs can become a beautiful and long-lasting addition to your garden. However, inadequate sunlight, poor drainage, lack of nutrients, and harsh winters can shorten the lifespan of a Gardenia. Conversely, good care, regular watering, pruning, and feeding, can help extend the life of Gardenia.
There are several benefits to growing Gardenias, both aesthetic and potentially health related:
Beauty and Fragrance:
Potential Health Benefits:
Other advantages:
Gardenia has two common names that are both widely used:
The Gardenia flower holds a range of meanings, often cantered around purity, love, and refinement:
Gardenias are native to tropical and subtropical regions of Africa, Asia, Madagascar, Pacific Islands, and Australia. There are over 140 species of Gardenia, and they are found in a wide variety of habitats, including forests, woodlands, and coastal areas. Some of the most well-known Gardenia species include:
Gardenias have the nickname "Cape Jasmine" because of a misconception about their origin. Early on, people believed these fragrant plants came from the Cape of Good Hope in South Africa. This association led to the common name "Cape Jasmine," referencing both the perceived origin and the similar scent of jasmine flowers. However, they actually originate from parts of Southeast Asia. Despite the geographical mistake, the name, "Cape Jasmine" stuck as a popular term for these beautiful flowering plants.
Gardenias do have problems from time to time. Therefore, it is important to understand the underlying issue(s) and have the remedies to fix the problem. The Plant Company have produced this series of articles to help you in the quest for answers to address common Gardenia problems and diseases.
The most common Gardenia diseases are root rot and powdery mildew. Root rot attacks the roots and causes the plant to eventually die if not remedied. The tell-tale symptoms are yellowing of the leaves and defoliation. This can happen over several months during any season and progressively gets worse. The only real solution is to fix the drainage. If plants are being over-watered or they are exposed to prolonged wetness, they will suffer. Therefore, good drainage is essential and sites where drainage is poor should not be avoided for Gardenias.
If your Gardenia has a white powdery growth on the leaves, this could be powdery mildew. This is usually during warm and dry weather. You can control this issue by wetting the leaves or with a fungicide that controls powdery mildew. If you leave the mildew to spread, it will cause the leaves to yellow and they may fall.
The most common pests of Gardenias are aphids, whitefly, and scale insects. These sap-sucking insect damage the leaves, causing a yellow or bronze-coloured mottling. With severe infestations, the leaves and flower buds become distorted. They are all easily controlled with a general insecticide that specifically notes it will control the particular pest.
Gardenias with speckled leaves or that appear to be somewhat bleached probably have thrips. Look on the underside of the leaves and you’ll find the bugs themselves and small, dark lumps called "frass". Thrips are easily controlled with a general insecticide for thrips and with good coverage. Covering the underside of the leaf will also help with control. A repeat application 1-2 weeks later is recommended to catch any eggs that have hatched or those missed in the first spray.
Leaf yellowing, which often occurs during winter with Gardenias is the result of a lack of magnesium in the leaves. The colder weather restricts the uptake of this nutrient through the roots and results in the leaves developing yellow tones. The issue is easily fixed with a liquid feed that contains magnesium. After 2-3 applications the issue should be resolved. A lack of nitrogen will also cause similar symptoms, which again will be corrected with a liquid feed and fertiliser for acid loving plants.
Leaf yellowing can also result from Gardenias being over-watered, poor drainage, or both. They will also develop yellow leaves if they have not been watered for some time, but this is usually coupled with leaves dropping. Other common causes are too much shade, or the plants have not been fed for several years. A liquid fertiliser can be used to correct issues quickly and should be supported with fertiliser for acid loving plants during spring if you think this is the cause.
Pests sucking on the leaves can cause leaves to yellow, but this is often mottled and varied across the plant. Inspect the leaves for scale insect, aphids, thrips, and whitefly mainly, and be sure to check the underside of the leaves. These are all easily controlled with an insecticide.
Reviving a dying gardenia requires some detective work to diagnose what has gone wrong. Some common issues and solutions include:
Light:
Water:
Soil and Nutrients:
Pests and Diseases:
There are several reasons why your Gardenia might not be flowering:
Considering each of these potential issues is the best way to determine whether one or more could be affecting the flowering of your plant.
Gardenias are not hard to grow but they can be fickle. This is because they are sensitive to soil conditions, light, water, and humidity. They are also susceptible to a few pests and diseases.
Here are some of the reasons why gardenias can be challenging to grow:
Gardenias are sensitive to changes in their environment. For example, if the temperature drops too low, the light changes too drastically, or the watering schedule is disrupted, Gardenias can drop their buds or leaves. Therefore, consistency is key to getting a great result with Gardenias.
Propagating Gardenias is a relatively straightforward process when you have the right advice. They are easily rooted, and our articles give you the best chance of doing this successfully and efficiently.
Gardenias can be rooted in water from stem cuttings. Semi-hardwood cuttings are usually taken from autumn until mid-spring. A stem about 8-10 cm long is trimmed into a cutting using secateurs with 2-3 leaves at the top and just below a node. The cutting is placed in a cup of fresh water in a warm placed out of direct sun, and the water is changed every 2-3 days until the cutting has rooted. The cuttings will take root within five weeks as a rule. However, please note that the chances of success are generally about 10% with this method when compared to using bottom heat and mist. This is because most cuttings rot rather than produce roots.
Gardenia are easily propagated from stem cuttings. Semi-hardwood cuttings are usually taken from autumn until mid-spring. A stem about 8-10 cm long is trimmed into a cutting using secateurs with 2-3 leaves at the top and just below a node. A nick is taken off the base of the cutting to expose more tissue. The cutting is dipped in rooting hormone for 5-10 seconds and then inserted into propagation growing media. The tray of cuttings is placed under mist with bottom heat also applied. The cuttings will have taken root inside of five weeks as a rule.
Trimming a Gardenia can be quite daunting as can growing a Gardenia hedge. Factors such as the hedge spacing, desired height, and how much trimming are all important considerations. The Plant Company have produced this series of articles to provide advice for trimming a Gardenia hedge and pruning individual bushes so you can manicure your plants with confidence and success.
Gardenias make amazing hedges (both formal and informal) and to create an outstanding hedge The Plant Company recommends spacing them 50 cm apart. The faster you want the hedge to fill in, the closer they should be planted is the general rule. With this planting regime they will close in quickly and also push each other upwards as they compete for light. The result is a fabulous hedge every time.
You can go out to 75 cm if the budget is tight and with a larger growing variety but that will often result in a gap at the bottom between plants which is hard to fill. The gap results from the natural vase shape with which these plants grow. In this situation opt for smaller grade sizes and plant more of them rather than going with bigger plants as this will make the money go further and produce a better result in the longer term.
If 25L grades (or bigger) are purchased which are 1m tall and lush, you can space these 75 cm apart without issue. These grades have generally been manicured to ensure they are bushy to the base and will therefore branch and fill in more easily.
Gardenias make amazing formal hedges (i.e., trimmed) and to create an outstanding hedge, space plants 50-70 cm apart. The faster you want the hedge to fill in, the closer they should be planted. Similarly, space plants closely if you want a dense hedge quickly (i.e., 50 cm apart).
It is important to understand that the hedge is generally pruned in after flowering with about 10-15% of the exterior vegetation removed. The amount removed depends on how much you need to contain the hedge. The best hedges are trimmed again during early spring. The notion being that the trimming is little and often to keep the plants dense and lush. That said, they still look good with once-a-year trimming.
The hedge width can be anywhere from 50 cm to 1 m wide, depending on the Gardenia variety. Narrower hedges will take more regular trimming than wider ones, however. Work out the maximum width you want the hedge to grow to before trimming as you plan the planting. Trimming is generally 5-10 cm back from that outer width and allowing for a centre of at least 30 cm.
Gardenias are lightly trimmed rather than pruned per se. The trimming is about shaping the plants and keeping them to a desired size. When The Plant Company trims Gardenias, we start by shaping the plant, ensuring that green foliage is still visible below all the cut stems. Once we are satisfied with the shape, we may then thin out a few old or diseased stems. This final step allows light into the centre of the plant which can help buds to expand and create a bushier plant that is more aesthetic.
Keep in mind that Gardenias flower on stems that are one year old. The more growth you remove this year will impact the flowering for next year. On this basis, there is always a trade-off on removing vegetation and flowering.
After flowering is the best time to trim Gardenias. The Plant Company recommends this is undertaken no later than one month after flowering as the plants can recover from this activity and produce fresh growth to harden off ahead of winter. Moreover, as Gardenias flower on older growth, this new growth ahead of winter is likely to produce flowers the following spring.
Gardenias grow with a rounded, almost ball-like shape, with all of the new growth generally on the outside of the plant. That ball will keep getting bigger and bigger if it is not pruned back and will quickly become woody at its centre. We therefore prune to contain growth, encourage fresh foliage, and to present a more aesthetic plant.
Removing dead, broken, or diseased stems can be undertaken anytime. These should be cut back to where buds on the stem are still visible. Doing this will also help air circulate through the plant which will reduce the likelihood of disease buildup.
Choosing a Gardenia that works for you can be challenging given the sheer number that are available. Working through the different varieties, how big the flowers are, and so on, can take considerable time. The Plant Company’s series of short articles aims to offer concise and easy to follow advice and recommendations so you can determine the variety for your needs.
Gardenia 'August Beauty' is a popular variety known for its prolific flowering, intoxicating fragrance, and attractive foliage. The large and double, white blooms that can reach up to 8 cm in diameter. They are intensely fragrant with a sweet, creamy citrus-like scent. This variety flowers from mid-spring to summer. Some other characteristics include:
Foliage and growth habit:
Growing Conditions:
Gardenia 'August Beauty' is a popular specimen plant for patios, entrances, or planting against houses. It is also effective for hedging or growing in borders. The flowers are often used in floral arrangements. Overall, it is a very popular plant.
The list of Gardenia varieties that The Plant Company has cataloged, worked on, propagated, and marketed is broad. Our database of Gardenia varieties is listed below:
Gardenia jasminoides, commonly called common gardenia or cape jasmine, is a beautiful and fragrant evergreen shrub native to southern China and Japan. Here are some of its characteristics:
Appearance:
Growing Conditions and Care:
With its beautiful flowers, intoxicating fragrance, and relatively manageable care requirements, Gardenia jasminoides is a popular choice for gardeners around the world.
Gardenia jasminoides 'Veitchii' is a popular choice due to its reliable flowering, compact size, and suitability for various planting situations. It can be a beautiful specimen plant, thrive in containers, or be used in borders or hedges. Some key information about this Gardenia includes:
Overall, Gardenia jasminoides 'Veitchii' is a beautiful and fragrant flowering shrub prized for its reliable blooms, compact size, and versatility. With proper care, it can be a long-lasting and beautiful addition to your garden.
Gardenia augusta 'Professor Pucci' is a popular variety owing to both its lush foliage, beauty, and fragrant flower. Some of its key characteristics include:
Gardenia 'Professor Pucci' is a popular choice for gardeners due to its beautiful flowers, long blooming season, and relatively low-maintenance care requirements. It can be grown as a hedge, used as a feature plant in a mixed planting, or grown in a container.
There are several Gardenia varieties grown in NZ. The following are considered the most popular by The Plant Company:
The following articles provide detailed information about these and our other Gardenia varieties are well worth checking out.
Determining the absolute "most fragrant" gardenia can be subjective, as fragrance preference varies widely. However, some gardenia varieties are renowned for their strong, sweet, and intoxicating aromas, particularly these two:
Ultimately, the best way to find your favourite fragrant Gardenia is to take a whiff while they are in flower. You are more than welcome to come to The Plant Company Nursery and smell our plants!
There isn't a single "best" Gardenia variety for New Zealand as it depends on what factors are most important to you. However, some popular and well-performing varieties in New Zealand's climate include:
Gardenia radicans has become popular in New Zealand gardens through a combination of factors:
Adaptability:
Low Maintenance:
Aesthetic Appeal:
Versatility:
Gardenia radicans offers a combination of attractive flowers, manageable care requirements, and adaptability to New Zealand's climate and gardening preferences. This makes it a popular and versatile choice for NZ gardeners.
These short articles provide some insight into how you might use Gardenia plants in different situations and what you might pair them with.
There are many beautiful flowering plants that can be a great alternative to Gardenias, depending on what specific features you're looking for. Here are a few options to consider:
These are just a few ideas to get you started. When choosing an alternative to Gardenia, consider the size and shape of the plant, the colour and fragrance of the flowers.
Gardenias are beautiful flowering shrubs that can add a touch of elegance to any garden. But what plants go well with them?
Whether you need assistance finding the plant you’re looking for or you simply want to know more about who we are and what we do, we invite you to get in touch with us today. A member of The Plant Company team will get back in touch as soon as possible.
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