Known for their intoxicating fragrance and waxy, creamy-white flowers that contrast beautifully with their shiny, dark-green leaves, Gardenias add sensory pleasure to any garden.

Gardenia jasminoides, also known as Gardenia grandiflora, is native to tropical and sub-tropical regions of Africa, southern Asia, Australasia and Oceania.  This shrubby, evergreen species grow to a height of between one to three meters, depending on the variety.  Blooming profusely from spring to summer and even into autumn, the flowers have a sweet fragrance, reminiscent of jasmine.  The flowers can be solitary or in small cluster and can appear single or double.  Most flowers last between three to eight days, opening white and maturing to a creamy-yellow colour.  It is an excellent cut flower and adds a touch of elegance to flower arrangements.

In late summer and autumn, orange red berries known as Gardenia hips appear, that will attract birds and wildlife to the garden.  Gardenias can be planted in in partial sun and needs an average amount of water.  It is not always tolerant of cold conditions and advice should be taken when selecting a particular variety.

Gardenia jasminoides is a versatile plant that is well suited to containers, as hedges or as a specimen plant.  Planted near a window, the Gardenia will scent your home while providing a lovely display of blooms.