Gardenias & Gardening

Gardenias grow best in acidic, moist soils.

Gardenias, an evergreen shrub known for sweet-smelling white blooms, grows throughout the southeastern United States. The gardenia fragrance has inspired many perfumes and body-care products. Gardenias require some regular maintenance to thrive and blossom.

History

The gardenia was originally discovered growing in an English garden in the late 1700s, but the specimen originated in China. It was thought to be a white jasmine, according to the Southern Living website. Swedish botanist Carolus Linnaeus and English merchant John Ellis disagreed and eventually named the shrub for Scottish-born physician and naturalist, Alexander Garden.

Growing Conditions

Gardenias thrive in sunny or lightly shaded areas with rich, well-drained soil, according to the National Gardening Association. Soil should be acidic with a pH between 5.0 and 6.0.

Planting

Plant gardenias in the spring or fall, when there is no threat of frost. Dig a hole about 2½ times wider than the root ball and equal in depth to the roots, suggests the National Gardening Association website. Space gardenias 3 to 6 feet apart to allow adequate root development.

Maintenance

Water about 1 inch per week in dry times and add 3 inches of mulch around the plants. Fertilize with an acidic fertilizer during each month of the growing season.

References

• National Gardening Association: Gardenia
• Southern Living: A Brief History of the Gardenia
• University of Florida: Growing Gardenias in Florida