Gardenia
For sale in Lawrenceville, GA
- Moderate (6-12 in/year)
- Full Sun to Part Shade
- Cold hardy to USDA Zone 8a
- Pet safe
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About Gardenia
Gardenia (Gardenia jasminoides) is grown above all for its intensely fragrant, waxy white flowers, considered by many Southern gardeners to be the single most fragrant bloom in the landscape, produced over a long late spring into summer bloom window against glossy, deep-green evergreen foliage. It grows into a rounded shrub 4-6 feet tall and wide and performs best with morning sun and afternoon shade in Georgia's climate, since intense summer afternoon heat can stress the plant and encourage sooty mold from whitefly activity. Gardenias require acidic, well-drained, evenly moist soil, similar to azaleas and camellias, and are prone to yellowing (chlorosis) in Gwinnett County's clay if the soil pH runs too alkaline, which is easily corrected with an acidifying fertilizer. Whitefly and the resulting sooty mold are the most common pest issues in humid Georgia summers, generally manageable with horticultural oil. Because a single flower can perfume an entire porch or patio, gardenias are traditionally planted close to outdoor living spaces, entryways, and bedroom windows across the South.
🚚 Delivery available to Lawrenceville and all of Gwinnett County — see our service area for exact timing.
Plant Specifications
| Mature Height | 4-6 ft |
|---|---|
| Mature Width | 4-6 ft |
| Sun Requirements | Full Sun to Part Shade |
| Water Needs | Moderate — consistent moisture, well-drained soil |
| Bloom Season | Late Spring through Summer |
| Growth Rate | Moderate (6-12 in/year) |
| USDA Hardiness Zone | 8a |
| Deer Resistant | No |
| Pet Safe | Yes |
| Native to Georgia | No |
Planting Instructions & Regional Tips
Plant Gardenia in morning sun with afternoon shade in acidic, well-drained soil amended with pine bark fines or compost. Mulch to retain even moisture, since gardenias dislike both drought and waterlogged clay. Fertilize with an acid-forming, azalea/camellia-type fertilizer in spring. Watch for whitefly on leaf undersides during humid summer months and treat promptly with horticultural oil to prevent sooty mold.
Fast Facts
- Extremely fragrant white flowers, late spring through summer
- Mature size: 4-6 ft tall and wide
- Prefers morning sun, afternoon shade in Georgia heat
- Requires acidic, well-drained, evenly moist soil
- Prone to whitefly and resulting sooty mold in humid summers
- Pet safe, unlike many other flowering shrubs
Pairs Well With
Gardenia FAQs
Why are my gardenia leaves turning yellow?
Yellowing gardenia leaves most often signal iron chlorosis caused by alkaline soil pH, which is common where Georgia clay has been limed or where concrete foundations raise nearby soil pH. Treat with an acid-forming fertilizer formulated for azaleas and gardenias, and confirm with a soil test if yellowing persists.
Is Gardenia safe for pets?
Yes, Gardenia is generally considered non-toxic and pet safe, unlike many other popular flowering shrubs such as azaleas and hydrangeas. It's a good fragrant flowering option for yards where dogs or cats have access to the planting beds.