Product Details
Large, double, intensely fragrant blossoms that arrive ahead of all other Gardenia varieties make Gardenia jasminoides 'Aimee' a standout in its class and a certified treasure for anyone who loves the scent of this garden classic. The silken, white blooms are framed by glossy, dark green foliage. Plants form a compact, mounding 4–6' shrub that’s hardy in warmer climates where ‘Aimee’ can be sited beside a door, screened porch, or open window, the better to enjoy the intoxicating perfume. In cooler climates, enjoy the beauty and fragrance of this plant outdoors after frost and move it indoors when the temperatures fall. Shipped in a 10" nursery pot.
Gardenias are surely contenders, with Jasmine, for the finest and most distinctive fragrance in the plant world. They are also handsome plants that, when well-grown, continue to produce their exquisite blooms from late-spring through early summer. We deliver heavily budded and carefully shaped plants. Keep the potting mix damp but not soggy, and you can enjoy at least a month of steady bloom.
Gardenia is a genus of about 200 broadleaf evergreen shrubs and small trees with distinctively fragrant, white flowers. They originate in tropical and subtropical regions of Africa, Asia, Australia, and some Pacific Islands, including Hawaii, where endemic species are now rare and endangered. Members of the Rubinaceae family, Gardenias are related to the Coffee plant. Gardenia jasminoides, from South China and Japan, is the most frequently encountered species in cultivation. More tender than Camellias, it has similar needs – rich, moist, acidic soil that is high in organic content, along with a bit of light, filtered shade in hot areas. Gardenias are considered deer-resistant due to their thick leathery leaves and strong scent. Plants are hardy to Zone 8, but in colder climates your Gardenia may be overwintered in a container indoors, if provided with sufficient light, humidity, and attentive watering.
For more information on growing and care, click Growing Guide.
Shipping
HOW PLANTS ARE SHIPPED
The size of the plants we ship has been selected to reduce the shock of transplanting. For some, this means a large, bareroot crown. Others cannot travel bareroot or transplant best if grown in containers. We ship these perennials and annuals in 1 pint pots, except as noted. We must point out that many perennials will not bloom the first year after planting, but will the following year, amply rewarding your patience. We ship bulbs as dormant, bare bulbs, sometimes with some wood shavings or moss. Shrubs, Roses, vines, and other woody plants may be shipped bareroot or in pots. The size of the pot is noted in the quick facts for each item.
WHEN WE SHIP
We ship our bulbs and plants at the right time for planting in your area, except as noted, with orders dispatched on a first-come, first-served basis by climate zone. We also ship a wide range of containers and planters, tools, supplies, fertilizers, garden wear, garden decor items, as well as indoor decorations like wreaths and dried bouquets when available. Estimated dates for shipping are indicated in the green Shipping Details box for each item. Please supply a street address for delivery. Kindly contact us with two weeks notice, if you'll be away at the expected time of delivery.
OUR GUARANTEE
We guarantee to ship plants that are in prime condition for growing. If your order is damaged or fails to meet your expectations, we will cheerfully replace or refund it. Please contact our Customer Service Department at 1-800-503-9624 or email us at [email protected]. Please include your order number or customer number when contacting us.
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Growing guide
Latin Name Pronunciation: gar-deen'ya
Gardenias are prized for their attractive and richly fragrant white flowers, which are shown to advantage by glossy, deep green foliage. They are cold-sensitive so unless they are grown in zones 8-10, patio planters should be treated as annuals. If desired, they can be overwintered in a sheltered outdoor space, in warmer climates, or moved indoors.
Growing Outdoors:
Grow in sun to part-shade in moist but well-drained acidic soil. Fertilize monthly from spring until frost with a formula specific for acid-loving plants. Deadhead to remove spent blooms.
FLOWERING: The buds on your plant should open in 4–6 weeks. Avoid handling the blossoms; they bruise and turn brown easily when touched. Most flowers last 3–8 days. They open white and mature to creamy yellow. When the flowers start to brown, they should be removed to make room for new buds and flowers. Please note: Except in the Deep South and on the West Coast (Zones 8–10), Gardenias are best treated as a seasonal plant and discarded after bloom.
Overwintering Indoors:
LIGHT: Provide 6–8 hours of direct sunlight such as can be provided by a south-facing windowsill.
WATERING: Gardenias enjoy potting mix that is slightly damp to the touch, but not soggy. If the potting mix gets either too dry or too soggy, the flower buds will drop off.
TEMPERATURE: Gardenias perform best in a room that is warm by day and cool at night. Nighttime temperatures should be kept above 60°F.
HUMIDITY: Gardenias are subtropical plants that appreciate high humidity. Don't place your plant close to a heat vent. The best way to increase the humidity around your plant is to run a humidifier in the same room, or use a pebble tray. Misting the gardenia plant is not recommended.
FERTILIZER: Fertilize Gardenias every 4 weeks during their growing season—April to October. A water-soluble fertilizer formulated for acid-loving plants is best, or use White Flower Farm’s All-Bloom Fertilizer. Do not fertilize November through March.
