About
Gardenia thunbergia, the white gardenia, is a large, spreading evergreen shrub or small tree from southern Africa to around 4 m, with glossy, dark-green leaves and exceptionally large, pure-white, intensely fragrant flowers to 7 cm across. A stately and magnificent specimen plant for a frost-free garden or large heated conservatory.
About the genus
Gardenia are bushy evergreen shrubs or trees with attractive, glossy leaves and large, fragrant, white, funnel- or bowl-shaped flowers with five to eleven lobes. Grown as ornamental specimen shrubs in frost-free gardens or as heated conservatory plants.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing, North-facing, West-facing, East-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH4
Plant details
Plant typeClimber Wall Shrub, Shrubs
HabitBushy
FoliageEvergreen
Height2.5-4 metres
Spread2.5-4 metres
Time to full height10-20 years
Suggested usesArchitectural, City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden
Native toUSA (California, Oregon)
Care notes
CultivationGrow in well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade
PruningPruning group 8
PropagationPropagate by semi-hardwood cuttings
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to a leaf spot and honey fungus (rarely)