Overview

Gardenia (*Gardenia jasminoides*), known as Gandhraj in India, is a beloved evergreen shrub celebrated for its intoxicatingly fragrant white flowers and glossy green foliage. Native to tropical and subtropical regions, it thrives in warm, humid climates and is cherished both as an ornamental plant and for its various traditional uses.

Characteristics

• Botanical Name: Gardenia jasminoides
• Common Names: Gandhraj, Cape Jasmine
• Plant Type: Evergreen shrub
• Height & Spread: Typically grows 3–8 feet tall and wide, depending on the variety
• Flowers: Creamy white, single or double blooms with a strong, sweet fragrance; bloom from late spring to early summer
• Foliage: Glossy, dark green leaves
• Hardiness Zones: USDA zones 8–11

Care & Maintenance

• Light: Prefers bright, indirect sunlight or partial shade; morning sun with afternoon shade is ideal, especially in hotter climates.
• Soil: Requires well-drained, acidic soil rich in organic matter; optimal pH between 5.0 and 6.5.
• Watering: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; avoid letting the soil dry out completely.
• Humidity: Thrives in high humidity environments; consider misting or using a humidifier for indoor plants.
• Fertilization: Feed with an acid-rich fertilizer in early spring and again in early summer.
• Pruning: Prune after flowering to maintain shape and encourage new growth; remove spent flowers to promote continuous blooming.
• Propagation: Best propagated through softwood cuttings taken in early spring.

Uses & Advantages

• Ornamental Appeal: Highly valued for its fragrant flowers and attractive foliage; commonly used in gardens, as hedges, or in containers.
• Traditional Medicine: In traditional Chinese medicine, gardenia fruit is used to treat various ailments, including fever, jaundice, and inflammation.
• Aromatherapy: The scent of gardenia flowers is believed to have calming effects, helping to relieve tension and anxiety.
• Culinary Uses: Gardenia fruit is used as a natural yellow food colorant in some cultures.

Precautions

• Toxicity: All parts of the gardenia plant are considered mildly toxic if ingested, potentially causing gastrointestinal discomfort; keep away from pets and children.
• Pests & Diseases: Susceptible to pests like aphids, whiteflies, and spider mites; also prone to fungal diseases such as powdery mildew; regular monitoring and appropriate treatments are necessary.

Ideal Growing Conditions

• Climate: Warm, humid climates with temperatures between 65°F to 70°F (18°C to 21°C) during the day and cooler nights around 60°F (15°C).
• Planting Time: Spring after the last frost or in early fall.
• Spacing: Space plants 3 to 6 feet apart to ensure good air circulation.

References

• The Spruce: How to Grow and Care for Gardenia
• Better Homes & Gardens: Gardenia Plant Guide
• Gardenia.net: Gardenia jasminoides Profile