Vietchii Gardenia, Everblooming Gardenia

Description

With a dwarf habit and one of the longest blooming seasons of any Gardenia this is definitely a prized garden shrub or indoor plant. Produces an abundance of the highly fragrant, double white flowers throughout much of the year when kept warm, growing, and healthy.

These old garden favorites are still commonly referred to as Cape Jasmine or Cape Jessamine in many southern gardens but no matter what you call them the fragrance is unforgettable. The repeat flowering or everblooming Gardenias generally flower on new growth and so a rich fertile soil and proper growing conditions are key. The foliage of the Veitchii Gardenia may yellow somewhat during the heat of the summer if the plant is not provided with partial shade.

Gardenias perform best in a fertile, well-drained, humus rich, acidic soil with average moisture. They seem to do best in hot southern regions where they get some midday or afternoon shade but need good light for the best flower production. Provide your Gardenias with good air circulation to minimize pest infestations. In the northern most reaches of their range they will benefit from protection from the drying of cold winter winds. Gardenias make good container plants and can be enjoyed indoors where not winter hardy. Prune after flowering, if desired.

Did you know that Gardenias attract hummingbird moths with their fragrant and easy to spot white to rarely yellow or orange flowers. Some species, like Gardenia nitida and G. tubifera, are obviously moth pollinated with their flattened corollas that open at the ends of 3-5" long arching narrow tubes. Gardenia flowers are, generally speaking, the most fragrant near sunset and during the early evening hours making them obvious choices for Moon Moth gardens as well as in containers. Site Gardenias near walks, patios, and within easy reach for indoor arrangements.