Loved for their intoxicatingly fragrant, creamy white flowers and thick, glossy leaves, gardenias, synonymous with the south, are actually native to China and Japan and named for Alexander Garden, a Scottish physician and botanist who lived in Charleston, South Carolina, in the late 1700s. Long-lasting blooms appear mostly in spring and summer, though some varieties bloom again in fall. No matter the season, if you have gardenias in your garden, passersby will be sure to smell them well before they see them. Plant them near a path or next to a deck, patio, swimming pool or other sitting area so you can really appreciate the perfume.
When planted in the right spot, gardenias are versatile shrubs that will thrive for many years. Hardy yet finnicky, gardenias prefer partial shade as well as moist, but well-drained acidic soil with plenty of organic matter. Water gardenias regularly, even once the plant has finished putting out blooms. Prune it after flowering has finished to remove spent blooms in order to keep the plant in good condition. Healthy gardenia plants are better able to withstand winter weather and will oftentimes come back stronger in spring. Gardenias can also be successfully grown in containers. Fertilize monthly between April and November using fertilizer that is specifically formulated for acid-loving plants. Be careful not to over fertilize them.
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