Hyperacanthus amoenus, Gardenia amoena

USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map

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Hyperacanthus amoenus is a large shrub or small tree native to South Africa, typically growing to 5-10 ft tall for a shrub and up to 10-20 ft for a tree. The glossy green leaves on the lateral branches are arranged in whorls of five and bordered by spines that are smaller than the leaves. Buds of the pinkish red flowers open up with white, off-white petals that are delightfully fragrant. After flowering, green fruits develop and become fleshy brown when ripe.

Hyperacanthus amoenus is quite easy to grow in full sun and regular watering. This species is suitable for growing in USDA Zones 10-11, and the mature plants can be tolerant of colder conditions, down to at least the 30s F for a short time. To ensure that the plant thrives in colder climates, it may be necessary to grow it in a pot in order to bring it indoors during the colder months. This will require extra care to make sure that it is given adequate water and light, and regular applications of fertilizer.

Similar plants:

• Atractocarpus fitzalanii, Randia fitzalanii, Gardenia fitzalanii (Native Gardenia, Yellow Mangosteen)
• Gardenia brighamii (Native Hawaiian Gardenia Nau)
• Gardenia carinata, Gardenia coronaria (Golden Gardenia, Malaysian Tree Gardenia)
• Gardenia cornuta, Gardenia ternifolia (Natal Gardenia, Horned Gardenia, Wilde-appel)
• Gardenia erubescens, Gardenia triacantha var. parvilimbis (Golden Fruit Gardenia)
• Gardenia Four Seasons (Gardenia Four Seasons)
• Gardenia gjellerupii (Thai Gardenia)
• Gardenia hydrophila, Kailarsenia hygrophila (Mok Luang, Candlestick plant)
• Gardenia jabiluka (Gardenia)
• Gardenia jasminoides, Gardenia augusta (Bush Gardenia, Cape Jasmine, Bunga Cina)