Gardenia Flowers
Interesting Facts about Gardenia Flowers
The scent of sweetly perfumed flowers ranks high as a mood enhancer, and gardenia flowers reign as the queens of fragrance. Some varieties are more strongly scented than others, so it is helpful to know which types of flowers have the best perfume.
Gardenia vietnamensis is a rare variety. Gardenia flowers on this variety are large, with a strong, sweet fragrance. Because of its medium mature size, this variety is an excellent container plant.
A common variety of the plant is Gardenia augusta, also known as Cape jasmine and bush gardenia. One of the larger varieties of gardenia, flowers tend to be only medium in size, but huge in fragrance. Cut flowers in a vase will scent an entire room in a short amount of time. The augusta is a double bloomed flower, having a rose-like formation. Within this variety are several sub-types, such as Aimee and Miami Supreme.
A dwarf sized variety that is popular for containers is the Gardenia duruma White Gem. Single 5 or 6 petal blooms in the shape of a pinwheel emit a sweet scent in both spring and fall on this diminutive plant. The foliage is dense and forms a bushing habit that rarely grows over a foot tall, yet will be covered with the lovely blossoms.
One of the best indoor container gardenias is the Gardenia radicans. A plant that stays under 12”, this gardenia flowers from spring through fall. Blooms are highly perfumed, and can be single or double formations. Foliage on the radicans is often variegated green and white, and forms a compact little tree that is often used in bonsai.
To get the best gardenia flowers from your plant, you will need to ensure it has the tools it needs for bloom production. An acidic soil is absolutely necessary for the well being of the gardenia; with a pH of around 5.0 for either container plants or those planted outdoors where climate permits. Gardenias thrive in warm, humid conditions, but do not do well with wet soil. Ensure the plants have good drainage by adding peat moss to your potting soil. If your gardenia flowers fail to open, dropping instead in the bud stage, it is a good indication that the plant is either getting too much water or not enough.
It is important to note that gardenias are a tropical species of plant, and as such should only be planted outdoors in zones 9 and 10. While some smaller varieties are ideal for indoor houseplants, almost all varieties do well in containers; allowing just about anyone to enjoy the sweet perfume of gardenia flowers and the visual appearance of their dark, evergreen foliage. Adding the queen of fragrance to your garden or home will be sure to enhance the mood of everyone who passes through.