Gardenia jasmine in 6″ Pot

An evergreen shrub 0.3–3 m (1–10 ft) tall in the wild; cultivated forms are usually 0.6–1.8 m (2–6 ft) tall and wide (dwarf cultivars 30–60 cm). Dense, rounded habit with stiff, cylindrical to flattened branches. Leaves are opposite or in whorls of three, simple, lanceolate to oblong-elliptic, 5–12 cm × 2–5 cm, thick, leathery, glossy dark green with a slightly waxy surface and prominent veins; stipules fused into a sheath around the stem. Flowers are solitary or in small clusters at branch tips, waxy, white aging to cream/yellow, intensely sweet-fragrant, 5–12 cm across; wild forms have a single whorl of 5–12 petals, while common garden types are double or semi-double with many overlapping petals (rose-like). Bloom season: late spring to summer (in warm climates nearly year-round). Fruit is an ovoid orange-red berry (rare in double cultivars). Cultivars include ‘Kleim’s Hardy’, ‘Veitchii’, ‘August Beauty’, ‘Radicans’ (low groundcover), ‘Four Seasons’.

Quick care: bright light with some sun—morning sun and afternoon shade is ideal in hot climates; in cooler areas can take more sun but avoid scorching midday sun. Outdoors USDA 8–11; in cooler zones grow in containers and bring in for winter. Needs acidic soil (pH 5.0–6.5), rich in organic matter, consistently moist but well-drained; mulch to keep roots cool. Use rainwater or lime-free water; hard/alkaline water causes iron chlorosis (yellowing between veins). Water evenly—keep soil moist but not soggy; allow top 1–2 cm to dry slightly, then water deeply. High humidity (50–60%+) is important indoors; mist, use a pebble tray, or run a humidifier. Temperatures: day 18–24 °C (65–75 °F), night 15–18 °C (60–65 °F). Buds drop if nights are too warm (>18 °C/65 °F) or if there are sudden temperature swings. Feed every 2–4 weeks in spring–summer with an acid-loving (azalea/camellia) fertilizer; add iron chelate if leaves yellow. Prune after flowering (midsummer) to shape and remove spent blooms (cut just below the leaf node) to encourage rebloom. Propagate by 8–12 cm semi-hardwood tip cuttings in summer (root in moist peat/perlite under humidity). Watch for whiteflies, mealybugs, scale, aphids, spider mites, sooty mold, powdery mildew, and bud drop. Toxic to pets (vomiting/diarrhea). Grown as specimen, hedge, espalier, or container plant near entries/patios for fragrance; superb cut flower.