Gardenia - Plant Encyclopedia Results

Small tree, usually only to 10-20ft. tree with large, glossy green leaves. The white flowers have a gardenia-like perfume. Enjoys moist, warm environment of Rainforest. Dark shining foliage sets off these beautifully fragrant spring flowers. They are star-shaped and come in clusters. In late autumn, yellow skinned fruits develop, 2"-4" in diameter, filled with small seeds embedded in soft pulp, with a flavor resembling a mangosteen. Dense, shiny foliage, the leaves are large, dark green and glossy. Very tropical looking plant, rare in cultivation.

Gardenia brighamii is endemic to the Hawaiian Islands and at one time thought to have occurred on all of the main islands. Judging from its use by the Hawaiians as a cloth dye, its habitat, associated species, and distribution in the early 1900s, it was probably a relatively common member of the lowland dry forest. At the beginning of the 20th century, it was considered common on west Moloka`i and Maui, but already either extirpated or very rare on the other islands. Today, the total known wild individuals of Gardenia brighamii numbers less than 20 and are distributed among 6 populations on Oah`u, Lana`i and Moloka`i. Gardenia brighamii, the Hawaiian gardenia, somewhat resembles the commonly cultivated Tahitian gardenia (Gardenia taitensis). Gardenia brighamii is a small tree, which may grow up to 20 feet in height. The leaves are oval-shaped, shiny and dark green. The solitary flowers are white and very fragrant. Read more about gardenias.

Slow-growing shrub or multi-branched small tree, a bit succulent-looking due to its growth habit ans tiny leaves. It will grow eventually 7 to 10 ft tall, with erect and spreading main branches, branchlets sometimes with thick thorns, a trunk that is whitish grey, the bark is smooth, often flaking into thin peels. Spectacular, large white and yellow flowers with their sweet scent attract passersby from a distance to this small, much-branched tree. Leaves are smooth and crowded at the ends of twigs, usually in whorls of three, light glossy green, short-stalked, 1-2" size, oval to almost round. Flowers are solitary at the ends of short, rigid branches, borne November to March, white turning yellow, short-stalked, with a long, slender greenish tube, and spreading white lobes. The calyx is very unusual, with long, narrow lobes arising from its sides and not at its apex. The flowers are followed by smooth, glossy, golden yellow fruits. They are attractive, pear-shaped, woody, glossy golden yellow, hard and flattened, usually produced in large quantities between February and August. The long, slender flower tube and the white, sweetly scented flowers suggest that insects like moths and butterflies pollinate this plant. Decorative fruiting branches placed in a vase may remain fresh for up to month, since branches are able to absorb water readily. In traditional medicine, fruit and roots are boiled and used as an emetic. This very neat and decorative small tree is best suited for a spot in the garden where it will stand alone so that it gets all the attention it deserves, more especially when in flower. The genus name Gardenia was named after Alexander Garden, a medical doctor and naturalist from South Carolina. The species name cornuta means horned; perhaps referring to the remnants of the persistent calyx lobes of the fruit. This species was first collected in 1870 but it was only after 35 years that it was eventually described in 1906. The genus Gardenia has about 60 species in tropical and warm parts of the Old World, seven in southern Africa. Gardenia cornuta is not widely found in gardens. Another related species, Gardenia thunbergia, looks much alike due to similar growth habit and small leaves (which are pointed unlike rounded leaves of g. cornuta) and is another attractive species, worthy of cultivation. Because of its growth habit and slow growth rate gardenia cornuta is a good bonsai plant. Very closely related specie - Hyperacanthus amoenus (Gardenia amoena).

Gardenia erubescens, also known as the Golden Fruit Gardenia, is a large shrub or small tree native to tropical Africa that can grow between 5-10 feet tall when planted in containers in cold regions. Despite the harsh weather of these regions, the Gardenia erubescens can survive and thrive with full sun exposure and moderate amounts of water.

The Golden Fruit Gardenia produces white, off-white flowers that attract butterflies and hummingbirds. The flowers are aromatic and sweet smelling which make them especially attractive to gardeners looking to add scent to their outdoor living spaces. The Gardenia erubescens is also an ethnomedical plant, meaning it is used for medicinal purposes.

The Gardenia erubescens is a hardy species and can thrive in USDA hardiness zones 9-11. One of the most rewarding aspects of growing this plant is the beautiful fruits it produces. The pale yellow, ellipsoid fruit can be of sizes between 3-5cm in length. These fruits are edible and can be eaten raw or made into jams and jellies. The fruit contains high levels of vitamins A, B, and C and can help to improve digestive health and reduce inflammation. The Gardenia erubescens also produces high yields of fruit, sometimes up to three hundred fruits in one crop.

For anyone looking to enjoy the smell and rewards of the Gardenia erubescens, the best planting spot should be somewhere with full sun exposure to ensure a healthy and productive plant. With the right care, the Gardenia erubescens can offer gardeners an enjoyable and exotic addition to their outdoor living space.

Very rare Thai endemic plant. It has yellow/golden fragrant flowers similar to Gardenia tubifera Kula except that it has erect flower (never pendulus), less number of petals and leaves are slightly velvetish.

This gardenia is better suited for alkaline soils (S. Florida) than G. tubifera kula

Everblooming Gardenia. It is well known there is little to rival the fragrance of Gardenias, and this plant is no exception. It lends itself well to pot culture with a compact stature. As new growth emerges, buds appear and then unfold into pristine white flowers that have a loose, double form. The long narrow leaves and upright spreading habit make this a distinctive addition to any collection. Hardy Zone 8 and higher Full or partial sun, grows to 1-3 ft in container, intermittent bloomer. Read more about gardenias.

Gorgeous, dark to bright green, opposite leaves on a shrub that can grow up to 6' with almost equal spread. Leaves are glossy and leathery. Mature shrubs usually look round, and have a medium texture. Blooms in mid-spring to early summer, over a fairly long season. Flowers are white, turning to creamy yellow as they age, and have a waxy feel. They have a powerful, sweet fragrance, and can perfume an entire room. Air currents waft the scent throughout the warm summer garden. Gardenias prefer acid, moist, well-drained soils. Use fertilizer for acid loving plants, and use iron compounds. Add plenty of organic matter, such as compost or ground bark, to as large an area as possible. Mulch plants instead of cultivating. A good time to feed gardenias is mid-March, using an acid plant food, fish emulsion or blood meal. Feed the shrubs again in late June to encourage extra flowers on everbloomers or faster growth of young shrubs. Do not fertilize gardenias in the fall. Doing so will stimulate tender growth, which may be killed if the temperature in winter drops below 15 degrees.

This plant is often seen labeled as Gardenia jasminoides which is now a synonym and no longer valid.

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Gardenia mutabilis was previously misidentified and misnamed in the trade as Gardenia gjellerupii.

Woody shrub or small tree, can reach up to 5 m tall. Flowers are solitary, initially cream-colored to light yellow and then become orange-yellow or orange at maturity.

This species is best planted in full sun, because shady conditions inhibit flowering and result in leggy plants.

Rare gardenia with star-like tubular flowers. It is a slow growing, round shrub and has large leaves of unusual diamond shape and delicate to touch unlike most of gardenias with waxy leaves. The plant blooms sporadically several times a year - year round. Fragrance is very strong and sweet. One day the whole plant is covered with blooms that stay a few days and then drop all together. A must for rare plant collection.

There has been a long discussion regarding proper classification of Gardenia nitida and (or?) posoqueria. In some sources, they are considered synonyms. Both species have highly star-like tubular flowers with nearly intoxicating scent.

Gardenia nitida and posoqueria seem to be 2 different varieties. G. nitida is the most common kind, with slightly smaller leaves, and flowers coming in clusters. G. posoqueria has longer single flowers, and leaves are much larger, lush and elongated.Read more about gardenias.

Dwarf Miniature Creeping Gardenia - can surprise even longtime gardenia fans. It has all the charm of the classic shrub - glossy green leaves, pure white flowers, and that unforgettable fragrance - but in a smaller, easier form.

This little plant grows low and wide, staying under 1-2 feet tall and spreading up to 3-4 feet. It forms a dense mound or creeping groundcover that looks great along walkways or spilling from a pot. The leaves are tiny and shiny, giving it a neat, polished look all year.

The flowers are about an inch across, double or semi-double, and smell just like the full-size gardenia. They bloom in spring and often return through summer, filling the air with perfume.

Gardenia radicans isn t as fussy as most gardenias. It can handle clay, sandy, or loamy soil as long as it drains well. Once established, it s fairly drought-tolerant and can even handle some cold, down to around 15F in protected spots.

It's perfect for small gardens, patios, or as a bonsai. You get the luxury fragrance of a gardenia without needing a big space.

Use it as a groundcover, edging plant, or container specimen. It's one of those plants that stays tidy, looks refined, and keeps blooming. For anyone who loves gardenias but wants something compact and low-maintenance, Gardenia radicans is a great find.

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