Gardenia radicans

Short Description
Low growing evergreen shrub ideal for shady position. White fragrant flowers in spring and summer. Prefers lightly moist soil conditions. 60 - 80 cm.

Cultivation Advice
The ideal plants for the difficult shady area, such as the south side of a house. While Gardenias will grow OK in full sun they do best in partial shade. In full sun they can lose the deep green of the leaves, and can pale to looking slightly sunburnt. In shade they retain the green and tend to look lush most of the time.

Gardenias like a moist soil but not saturated. Avoid sand or clay unless it is well mixed with topsoil and or compost.

Gardenias are famous for their fragrance, so plant it where it can be appreciated. Flowers on all gardenias look much the same. Dead head old flowers if required to tidy the plant up though Gardenias have practically no maintenance.

For narrow gardens Gardenia radicans makes a good border at about 1m spacings, but leave plants at natural size and shape. For larger gardens Gardenias in mass make a good display and provide a strong fragrance in the flowering season.