Gardenia

About

Gardenia Plants Gardenias, glossy, well mannered, perfumed and neat. There are about 180 named species of Gardenia and all are characterised by the sweet strong smelling perfume produced by white to cream flowers. Gardenia Varieties Gardenias belong to the Rubiaceae family to which Coffee also belongs. Gardenia jasminoides are the most well known and there is evidence of these being in cultivation in the Song dynasty (960-1279) from paintings of the period. It took until the late 1700's that Gardenia were first seen in English gardens. Gardenia bushes grow from 1 to 15 metres tall so there is a species right for most positions in your garden in warm temperate to subtropical climates. One of the lower growing options is Gardenia augusta Radicans which is an evergreen shrub/ground cover that flowers throughout the year. Many double flowering forms are available along with some almost yellow flowered forms. A great double white flowering option is Gardenia True Love . This is a new release Gardenia with extra large flowers and we are very pleased to be able to offer it to you. The Ideal Soil for Healthy Gardenias The leaves of Gardenia are glossy dark green but are the first indicators of deficiencies in the soil. Gardenias like sunny to half sun or filtered light positions, free draining soil and that which has a pH of 5 and 6.5 (slightly acid). Acid soils dissolve elements that are then able to be accessed by the plant. Yellowing of the leaves is called chlorosis. Often chelated iron and Epsom salts (magnesium sulphate) is used to correct deficiencies. Take care applying these elements, a little is best, so follow manufacturer's instructions. In Case of Scale Sometimes you will see unsightly black mould on the leaves and stems of plants; this is the result of scale insects sucking the sap the secreting a sticky fluid. That fluid is secondarily affected by smut which has that characteristic black colouration. Fortunately it is easy to fix. Suffocate the scale with bot