Species gardenia
white flowers with yellow-orange center, lime-green leaves and yellow-green branch

gardenia

Gardenia jasminoides 'Grif's Select'

Gardenia jasminoides 'Grif's Select' is a stunning flowering shrub with large, exquisitely fragrant white blooms that truly make it stand out amongst its peers. This variety is especially adept at growing in sunny or shady locations, making it look great in any garden as it provides year-round interest. Not only does this plant look beautiful, but its delicate fragrance will give a charming ambiance that will linger around your outdoor space. Plus, thanks to its quick growth rate, you won't have to wait long to enjoy its beauty and awe-inspiring fragrance.

Cycle:

Perennial

Watering:

Average

Propagation:

Stem Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

8 - 11

Flowers:

White/ivory Flowers In Spring

Sun:

part sun/part shade,full sun

Fruits:

Fruits Ready In Summer

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green

Growth Rate:

High

Maintenance:

High

Indoors:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

For a gardenia (Gardenia jasminoides 'Grif's Select'), you should water the plant once every 7 to 10 days. The amount of water to give the plant should be enough to soak the soil, while avoiding overwatering and drainage issues. The soil should also be allowed to dry out slightly between waterings. Water the gardenia directly at its base and avoid wetting the leaves, as this could cause fungal problems for the plant.

sunlight

Gardenia jasminoides 'Grif's Select' is a flowering plant that requires ample sunlight for optimal growth and bloom. It should be placed in a sunny spot that gets at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight daily. If possible, the plant should receive early morning sunlight to set its flowering process, and afternoon light to enhance its ability to photosynthesize and grow. During the summer months, Gardenia jasminoides 'Grif's Select' should be protected from the hot afternoon sun to avoid sunburn. Though this species thrives under direct sunlight, it can also tolerate partial shade.

pruning

Gardenias (Gardenia jasminoides 'Grif’s Select') should be pruned in late winter or very early spring before growth begins. Pruning should be light to allow for more blooms. Remove any dead, damaged or diseased branches as needed and trim crossing branches to reduce congestion. Make all cuts just above a leaf bud. These plants can tolerate some pruning, so selectively remove up to 1-third of the old stems. Be sure to use sharp pruning shears to ensure a clean cut.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Starts Flowering

Gardenia jasminoides 'Grif's Select' typically begins flowering in late spring, usually in May or June.

Starts Flowering

Gardenia jasminoides 'Grif's Select' typically begins flowering in late spring, usually in May or June.

Harvest Fruit

Harvesting Gardenia jasminoides 'Grif's Select' typically begins in June and continues through August.

Hardiness Map

FAQ

Is the gardenia plant suitable for indoor or outdoor growing?

Gardenia plants are best suited for outdoor growing with morning sunshine and afternoon shade. They thrive in tropical and warm subtropical climates with frequent watering and well-draining soil. Those living in colder climates can grow gardenia indoors, but will require lots of extra care and attention. Plant your gardenia near a sunny, south-facing window to ensure plenty of light and consistent temperatures above 65F. A south-west-facing window is best, with east and west-facing windows as a secondary option. You should water your gardenia daily while maintaining humidity levels as high as possible.

Are gardenias tolerant of cold temperatures?

No; gardenias are not tolerant of cold temperatures. Gardenias need temperatures between 65-75°F (18-23°C) and will not survive temperatures that drop below freezing. Additionally, they should be protected from prolonged exposure to wind and rain, which can damage the sensitive leaves and flowers. If the temperatures in your area drop below 45°F (7°C), it is best to bring the gardenia indoors to protect it.

Should gardenias be planted in a particular season?

Gardenias should be planted in the early spring or late fall season when temperatures are mild. Gardenias prefer cooler temperatures for optimal growth and prefer to be planted in well-drained soil. In addition, they need to be planted in a spot that receives ample bright sunlight but is shielded from direct midday and afternoon sunlight. Finally, during the summer months, they need to be watered regularly and fertilized every two weeks.

Could gardenias be grown in containers?

Yes, gardenias can be successfully grown in containers! Container gardening is perfect for areas with limited space, or as an easy way to move the plants around to areas with more or less sunlight. When growing gardenias in containers, make sure to use a large one, close to 20 inches in diameter, with drainage holes and filled with potting mix. The container should be placed near a window that gets some direct sun, but it should also be protected from the wind. Deep waterings will be necessary in extremely hot, dry periods. Feed container gardenias every few weeks with a balanced fertilizer to encourage blooms. All in all, container gardening is a great way to enjoy gardenias, even if there's limited space.

Are gardenias self-pollinating?

No, gardenias are not self-pollinating. Gardenias require assistance from pollinators like bees to transport pollen from the male parts of one gardenia flower to the female parts of another. Without this help, it would be hard for some gardenia varieties to produce seed and fruit. As such, it is important that gardeners ensure their gardenia plants are in close proximity to bee-friendly flowers such as lavender for the best pollination and fruit yield.

Could gardenias be propagated from cuttings?

Yes, gardenias can be propagated from cuttings. This is typically done in late summer or fall when the new growth on gardenias has hardened off. Using a clean, sharp knife, cut 6-inch tip cuttings from the current season’s new growth. Remove any flowers and leaves from the lower half of the cuttings. Dip the cuttings in a rooting hormone then plant in a container filled with a soil-less potting mix. Care for the cuttings by providing indirect light and occasional misting. After a few months, you should be able to see signs of new growth and can then transplant your gardenia cuttings into a permanent location.

Are gardenias commonly used in landscaping?

Gardenias are beautiful flowering plants often used to line walkways and garden beds in landscaping designs. Gardenias produce white, fragrant flowers in the summer that attract pollinators and give a lovely fragrance in the garden. Gardenias are also deer and rabbit resistant, which makes them ideal for natural or low-maintenance landscaping where you'd like to control the wildlife. Lastly, gardenias are easy to care for, requiring regular watering and full sun or partial shade to thrive. Because of these characteristics, gardenias are quite often used in landscaping.