Gardenia

Growing

Healthy gardenia foliage depends on acidic soil. When planting nursery stock or cuttings, keep the ground or container mix within a pH range of 5.0 to 6.0. These woody shrubs grow in partial sun to shade, so protect them from the harshest afternoon heat. They need regular watering to keep the soil moist without becoming waterlogged.

Growth habit varies by cultivar. For a low-growing groundcover, choose 'Radicans', whereas varieties like 'Mystery' are more upright and work as a dense, fragrant hedge. Some varieties, such as 'Golden Magic', have flowers that turn golden.

If you are growing gardenia for its edible qualities, the petals can be used raw, pickled, or preserved in honey, and incorporated into teas. Harvest the flowers when they are ready to use, as they will not continue to ripen once picked. To keep them fresh, store them unwashed in a cool place like the fridge.