Gardenia
Gardenias are commonly used landscape plants in SEQld, but too often the dream fails to match the reality of growing these plants in Queensland's increasingly hot and dry conditions.
Hints for growing gardenias in SEQLD include a moist but well drained soil enriched with organic matter. They will need plenty of light but protection from the most punishing summer sun. Morning sun or dappled sun all day would be appropriate.
These rather fussy shrubs will tend to drop their flower buds if they get a fright, such as a heat or cold shock, or drying out. If you're lucky enough to get a display, prune after flowering to keep the plant bushy.
Fortunately, the common type sold locally as 'Florida' is a garden centre staple in SEQld and don't cost a lot in the smaller pot sizes. Why not buy a few plants and try them out in a different spots to see what works best in your garden?
Alternatively, try one in a tub in an azalea and camelia mix. Gardenias like soil on the acid side. A fertilser designed for azaleas or camellias would also be suitable for gardenias.
From general observation, the groundcover form 'Radicans" does seem to perform better locally, This can also be pruned to form a miniature hedge. So, these are also an alternative to try if you desire gardenia fragrance in the garden, but aren't having luck with other forms. The blossoms will not be so impressive for picking, however.
More information coming to this page in the future. Meanwhile, check out the links below.
Where to buy Gardenias in Qld
These popular plants are carried by many nurseries and garden centres. Click here to view the Nursery Guide
If you can't find the variety you're looking for in your local outlet, however, try:
If you're a nursery specialising in Gardenias, or a company responsible for promoting new Gardenia cultivars, please get in touch for information about advertising your products on this page.
Links
The following are for general information, research and ideas. Some species or cultivars referred to in links may be unavailable in Australia
Gardenias by Joan Bradshaw, University of Florida, USA
Gardenia Clemson University, South Carolina
Gardenia Royal Horticultural Society, UK Gardenia Royal Horticultural Society, UK
Gardenia 'Grandiflora Star' At "Grow Me Instead" (an Australian website informing gardeners about safer alternatives to invasive ornamentals)
Tiare Tahitian gardenia. Kauai Community College, Hawaii
Meet the Plants Pacific flora database of the National Tropical Botanical Garden, USA
The native "Gardenias"
More information of the Australian native plants commonly referred to as native gardenia here: Atractocarpus
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