Dwarf Radicans Gardenia

The Radicans Gardenia (Trailing Gardenia) is a low-growing, dense shrub with extremely fragrant white blooms and dark green glossy foliage. Radicans is a spreading cultivator that will reach 1-2 feet in height but will spread up to 4 feet wide. The Dwarf Radicans is a drought tolerant and cold hardy gardenia shrub that is safe down to 10 degrees! In addition to its hardiness the Dwarf Radicans is also an extremely adaptable to a wide variety of soil types such as clay, sand and loamy soil types making it a plant that is easy to enjoy and not one to incessantly stress over.

Use trailing Gardenias as a ground cover to create a lush, green carpet adorned with fragrant white blooms. Their spreading habit and glossy foliage can transform bare areas into vibrant, aromatic spaces. Maybe you have a sloping area in your yard that you would like to transform. The dense growth of the Radicans can help prevent soil erosion while adding beauty and interest to any landscape.

Trailing Gardenia Shrub Care

Gardenia Radicans provides fragrant blooms and evergreen foliage all year long, so it is no brainer as to why it has become such a popular choice for gardeners. PlantsbyMail is here to provide you with the advice needed for your Gardenias to thrive while also providing you with healthy, lush plants.

These dwarf Gardenias remain hardy in USDA zones 7 - 11 and prefer full sun to partial shade sun exposure. They should remain protected from the hot afternoon sun as they can easily scorch. 

Water regularly for the first few months. This will encourage it to develop deep roots that will help ensure its future success.

To keep this plant happy and healthy, fertilize in early spring with a slow-release, balanced fertilizer or use an organic acidic fertilizer every few months.

Popular Companion Plants for the Gardenia Radicans

Shade-loving Companions

• Hostas: Their large, lush leaves provide a contrasting backdrop to the small, glossy foliage of gardenias. Hostas thrive in similar shady conditions.
• Ferns: The delicate, feathery foliage of ferns complements the structured form of gardenias, creating a lush, woodland feel.

Acid-loving Friends

• Azaleas: Both gardenias and azaleas prefer acidic soil, making them perfect companions. The vibrant azalea blooms can add a pop of color that contrasts beautifully with gardenia flowers.
• Rhododendrons: Like azaleas, rhododendrons thrive in acidic soil and offer large, showy blooms that can enhance the gardenia’s appeal.

Texture and Color Contrasts

• Coral Bells: With their colorful foliage ranging from deep purple to bright lime green, heucheras provide a striking contrast to the green leaves and white flowers of gardenias.

Flowering Companions

• Camellias: With their large, often pink or red blooms, camellias can add vibrant color and structure, blooming in different seasons to extend the garden’s flowering period.
• Hydrangeas: Hydrangeas provide large, dramatic flower clusters that can complement the smaller gardenia blooms. They thrive in similar soil conditions and offer a range of colors.