Gardenia is a genus of about 140 species of evergreen shrubs and small trees. It is a member of the Rubiaceae family and is native to the tropical and subtropical regions of Asia, Australasia, Oceania and Africa.
These plants are famous for their waxy, highly fragrant, white or cream flowers and deep, glossy green leaves. They will add charm, color and fragrance to your garden. Garden visitors, as well as pollinators, will enjoy their beautiful scented blooms!
Name meaning
The genus is named in honor of Dr. Alexander Garden (1730 – 1791), a Scottish botanist, zoologist and physician.
Gardenia symbolism
Gardenia symbolizes purity, sweetness, joy and secret love.
Interesting facts about Gardenia
Sigmund Freud’s Favorite Flower
Gardenia was one of the favorite flowers of Sigmund Freud (1856. – 1939), who was a famous Austrian neurologist and the founder of psychoanalysis.
Benefits and Uses
Gardenia tea has been used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine to treat cholesterol, skin inflammation, bladder infections and painful urinary dysfunction and to treat certain presentations of insomnia. It has also been used to detoxify the liver and to help lower blood pressure.
The flowers and fruits are edible.
The flowers can be added to sugar, drinks, desserts, syrups and salads. Extracts from Gardenia fruit contain the yellow pigments, which is used in the food industry as a substitute for the spice saffron.
Gardenia Plant Data
Plant Type:
Shrubs, Trees
Color:
The most of them are white (or a related color like ivory or cream), but some of them are yellow.
Hardiness Zones:
6-11
Blooms in:
Spring, Summer
Height:
Gardenia grows between 60 cm (2 ft) and 6 metres (20 ft) tall, depending on species.
Soil needs:
Gardenia likes moist, but well drained soil. The ideal soil pH is between 5.0 and 6.0.
