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Introducing...

Gardenia

Botanical name: Gardenia

Common name: Gardenia

Gardenias are tender shrubs, usually grown as houseplants, with richly fragrant summer flowers. They can be a little tricky to grow, but if you provide the right amount of light, warmth and moisture, you’ll be rewarded with blooms for months on end. Gardenias can also be grown outdoors in summer.

Looks

These small shrubs produce highly fragrant creamy-white flowers in summer, 5–10cm (2–4in) across, set against glossy, dark green leaves. As houseplants, they grow to about 45cm (18in) tall, but can grow larger in a conservatory. 

Likes

Gardenias need bright light, but not strong sun, high humidity and consistently moist, ericaceous compost. They prefer 21–24°C (70–75°F), with slightly cooler night-time and winter temperatures, but always above 16°C (60°F). They can also be grown outside in summer, in a warm, sheltered spot in partial shade.

Dislikes

Gardenias can’t tolerate waterlogged or dry compost, a hot, dry atmosphere, strong summer sun or deep shade. Most are tender, so must be kept indoors over winter. They dislike large temperature fluctuations, which can cause the flower buds to drop. 

Did you know?

Gardenias are acid-loving plants, which means they need an ericaceous compost, with a pH below 7 – see our guide to soil pH. If you live in a hard water area, then water gardenias with rainwater whenever possible, to maintain the compost’s acidity. You can also feed with an ericaceous fertiliser. 

Growing guide

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Useful advice

Choosing the best houseplants

Choosing the best houseplants

Fragrant plants

Fragrant plants

How to grow houseplants

How to grow houseplants

Humidity for houseplants

Humidity for houseplants

Get involved

The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.