Product Details
Modern breeding makes it possible to grow Gardenia jasminoides, that classic Southern belle with intoxicatingly scented, white flowers, further North than ever before. Protected from winter winds, overwintering flower buds of Gardenia Pillow Talk® unfurl in early summer, even in Zone 7. A handsome evergreen shrub with glossy, dark green leaves, this cultivar has an unusual spreading habit, growing wider than it is tall. A Proven Winners®/Color Choice® variety. SMNGDUO' PP 35,036
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. 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.
Exploring unique plants and sharing them with our customers is one of the greatest joys of our work. We’ve gathered a selection of remarkable shrubs and perennials that northern gardeners traditionally considered exotic specialties for “warm zone” gardens only. As growing conditions and Hardiness Zones shift, many of our customers now garden in milder climates, opening new possibilities for color and texture. These new offerings can also be treated as container plantings and overwintered indoors in colder areas. We invite you to browse these exciting selections and check each plant’s Hardiness Zone to find the best fit for your garden.
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
Gardenia is a genus of about 200 tropical and subtropical, broadleaf evergreen shrubs and small trees with distinctively fragrant, white flowers. They need rich, moist, acidic soil that is high in organic content, along with a bit of light filtered shade in hot areas. Gardenias 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. The buds on your plant should open in 4–6 weeks. Flowers open white and mature to a soft creamy yellow, most lasting 3–8 days. Like other moth-pollinated flowers, they are more fragrant at night.
Growing Outdoors:
Light: Grow in sun to part-shade, supplying filtered summer shade in hotter areas.
Soil: Gardenias require moist but well-drained acidic soil that is rich in organic matter.
Watering: Keep plants consistently moist but never soggy. Water deeply when soil feels dry to the touch an inch or two below the surface. Plants will need more water in the hottest weather, less in winter, unless normal rainfall is absent. Mulch to preserve soil moisture and insulate roots.
Fertilizing: Fertilize monthly from spring until frost with a formula specific for acid-loving plants. Compost is always beneficial.
Pruning: When the flowers start to brown, they should be removed. Gardenias set their new flower buds in fall, so prune just after the last flowers have faded. Frequent pruning is not necessary but if you wish to shape, reduce the size of the plant, thin out the center to improve air circulation, or remove crossing branches, remove no more than 1/3 of the plant. Dead or damaged branches can be cut at any time.
Pests/Diseases: Monitor for scale, whiteflies, aphids, mealybugs.
Overwintering Indoors:
As fall approaches, move your potted Gardenia into more shade for a few weeks to help it adjust to lower light levels indoors. Inspect for insects and treat appropriately. Flood the soil and let it drain to flush out possible hitchhiking bugs; hose off with a good strong spray of water before moving the plant inside. When weather warms in spring, move outdoors into shade, then gradually into more sun.
Light: Provide 6–8 hours of direct sunlight such as can be provided by an unobstructed south or west window.
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, flower buds may drop off.
Temperature: Gardenias perform best in a room that is warm by day (70-75°) and cool (60° minimum) at night.
Humidity: Gardenias are tropical or subtropical plants that appreciate high humidity. Avoid heat vents and cold or hot drafts. The best way to increase the humidity around your plant is to run a humidifier nearby or use a pebble tray. Misting the gardenia plant is not recommended.
Fertilizing: Fertilize Gardenias every 4 weeks only during their growing season (April to October) with a water-soluble fertilizer formulated for acid-loving plants or use White Flower Farm’s All-Bloom Fertilizer. Do not fertilize in winter.
