GARDENIA TAITENSIS

Heaven Scent is an exceptional tropical Gardenia with some of the largest flowers in the group. The intensely fragrant creamy-white blooms are usually semi-double to fully double, commonly 4-5 inches across and occasionally reaching 5-6 inches. Individual flowers can vary in form, sometimes opening into wonderfully unusual shapes. The foliage is equally impressive, with large, thick, glossy dark-green leaves that give the plant a lush tropical appearance even when it is not blooming.
This Tahitian Gardenia hybrid has circulated in the tropical nursery trade for many years and is generally reported as a hybrid between Gardenia taitensis and G. jasminoides (syn. G. augusta). It combines the tropical character and large foliage of Tahitian Gardenia with spectacular double flowers and a powerful sweet fragrance. A rare and beautiful Gardenia for warm tropical and subtropical gardens or container culture where winter protection can be provided.

Gardenia taitensis, the famous Tiare Tahiti or Star of Tahiti, is the wonderfully fragrant Gardenia associated with the islands of French Polynesia, where it is celebrated as the national flower of Tahiti. Its creamy-white flowers are typically about 3 inches across, with gracefully arranged petals forming the distinctive star or pinwheel shape. Against large, glossy dark-green leaves, the simple white flowers have an elegant tropical beauty quite different from the heavily doubled blooms of many cultivated Gardenias.
The fragrance is rich, sweet and unmistakably tropical. Tiare flowers are traditionally treasured throughout Polynesia for leis, personal adornment and their use in making fragrant Monoi oil. A beautiful choice for warm gardens, patios and containers, this is the classic Tahitian Gardenia for anyone who wants the authentic Tiare flower and fragrance.