Gardenias excellent for mass plantings

Gardenias are synonymous with Christmas in Australia and they flower at their best in the warmer months of the year usually from November to May. Their large creamy white flowers and glossy green leaves make them very attractive garden plants. Gardenias are excellent for mass plantings or as a hedge.

Grown as a standard, gardenias look great in a pot. They will perform well for years in a large pot growing in a quality potting mix. Gardenias prefer slightly acidic, cool, moist, well drained soil. You will find that your gardenias will thrive in some shade, particularly from the full summer heat in a hot or tropical climate.

Water your gardenias well, particularly from spring to summer when the plant is flowering. Protect the root system with a mulch of lucerne hay, compost or well-rotted wood chip. Gardenias require little pruning unless they are being grown as a hedge. To keep your gardenias in optimum condition, feed them well throughout spring and summer.