Shrubs - Gardenia

Divine, heady fragranced waxy white flowers. While the word everblooming may be an over exaggeration, these small, compact shiny dark green shrubs remain popular because of their reliable intoxicating fragrant blooms. In low deserts these plants require shade to part sun locations, such as morning sun with afternoon shade. Under large shade trees with dappled sunlight is also acceptable, but the secret to raising Gardenias is soil amendments. These plants are native to rainforests of central Asia and Japan, where soils are organically rich and acidic. Lowering the soil pH to an acceptable level of 5.0 to 6.5 is needed to keep Gardenias and other acid-loving plants happy in our low desert environment.

Scientific name:  Gardenia jasminoides

Mature size:  up to 3 ft. high & wide

Sun:  Part to full shade