Overview
Gardenia thunbergia is a bushy conservatory greenhouse in the genus Gardenia, part of the Rubiaceae family, with evergreen foliage. Gardenia thunbergia grows best in partial shade, and tolerates most soils and acid and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H1C. Suggested uses include sub-tropical.
About
Gardenia thunbergia is a sturdy large shrub or small tree endemic to the southern and eastern regions of South Africa and neighbouring territories such as Eswatini. It grows largely in forest or on forest margins, occurring in the Eastern Cape, Natal and Transkei in South Africa. It is densely twiggy and rigid with smooth light-grey bark, and is horticulturally valuable, being easy to grow as a strong hedge, but more usually as a specimen plant, striking in appearance and long lived. The abundant and extremely fragrant flowers are about 70 mm in diameter with long tubes only accessible to the proboscises of nocturnal hawkmoths. In the garden it prefers partial shade and most soil types. In UK gardens it needs a warm, frost-free position in the UK (RHS H1c). Suggested uses include sub-tropical. It tolerates acid and neutral soils, moist but well-drained conditions and south-facing aspects. Plant in well-drained soil in sun or partial shade.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Gardenia thunbergia
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Gardenia
- Sunlight
- Partial shade
- Soil type
- Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H1C
Plant details
Gardenia thunbergia size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Conservatory Greenhouse, Shrubs
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Suggested uses
- Sub-tropical
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Gardenia thunbergia
- Propagation
- Propagate by seed, greenwood or semi-hardwood cuttings
- Pest resistance
- May be susceptible to glasshouse whitefly and mealybugs under glass
- Disease resistance
- May be susceptible to glasshouse grey moulds
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Gardenia thunbergia?
Gardenia thunbergia prefers partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Gardenia thunbergia need?
Gardenia thunbergia is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including clay, loam and sand. It prefers acid and neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
Is Gardenia thunbergia hardy in the UK?
Gardenia thunbergia has an RHS hardiness rating of H1c, meaning it needs a warm, frost-free position of 5–10°C and is best grown under glass in the UK.
How do I propagate Gardenia thunbergia?
Propagate by seed, greenwood or semi-hardwood cuttings.