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Southern Living Plant Collection

Fool Proof Gardenia

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$20.98 $36.98
  • Double, pure white, fragrant blooms
  • Matures to 3' wide by 3-4' tall
  • Remains hardy in USDA Zones 6 - 9
  • Place in location that receives full sun
Pot size

Description

The Fool Proof™ Gardenia (Cape Jasmine) is a native of the tropical and subtropical regions of Africa, Asia and Australia, but have slowly made their way into the United States where there is no shortage of gardeners eager to plant it! The Fool Proof Gardenia is reblooming Gardenia that produces double, pure white, fragrant blooms that emerge in late spring and rebloom through fall.

Fully mature plants reach an average size of 3–4′ H x 3’ W making it the ideal size for the perfect specimen or center piece in your landscape. With slender, glossy green leaves this shrub has graceful appearance that is sure to turn heads if the sweet fragrance doesn't attract their attention first. In addition to landscape planting this easy to grow shrub does exceptionally well in containers also.

Using the Fool Proof™ Gardenia in Your Garden

Since it will tolerate shade without a fuss, this is the plant you need to line the path to your garden or steps near an entryway into your home. Use it to edge beds or plant it as a specimen alongside your choice of Azaleas or Hydrangeas.

With the ability of grow in containers that means that even with its tropical origins, anyone can enjoy this fragrant beauty. In zones that receive colder weather in the winter you will be able to bring your plant indoors to protect it from the harsh temperatures and winds.

Fool Proof™ Gardenia Care

The Fool Proof Gardenia is hardy in USDA zones 7 - 10 but has special requirements in cooler areas. The ideal location to plant is in a spot that receives morning sun and afternoon shade. Sunlight will be beneficial to flower production, but too much may lead to burned foliage. Moist, well-draining soil consisting of rich organic material will be essential to the overall health of your plant. Acidic soil is preferred, but if yours leans towards the alkaline side you have no need for worry.

Pruning is not usually needed, but if you want to trim to control the size, do this straight after the spring flowering ends, and don’t trim back summer shoots, as that will prevent re-blooming. This variety has improved resistance to the pests and diseases that can affect other varieties, and it is less likely to be damaged by cold snaps or hot spells. Water regularly, but don’t water if the soil is already damp.

 

Gardenia Care Tips

Southern Living Plant Collection tips on maximizing your gardenia blooms.

Care & Use

Getting Started: Understanding Your New Plant

Review your plant's information on our website or the tag that comes with it. Be mindful of sunlight preferences, soil type, and spacing needs.

Our plants are adaptable but grow best in the correct USDA Zones. Click here to learn more about your USDA Zone.

Planting Instructions

Dig a Hole

First, dig a hole three times the width of the root ball of your plant. This makes it easier for the root system to spread out quickly. Dig the hole deep enough that your plant will sit level with or slightly above the ground around it.

Amend Your Soil

Mix your native soil with rich gardening soil to provide extra nutrients and support plant growth. If your soil is clay-heavy, we recommend mixing your native clay soil with equal parts of Pine Bark mulch to improve drainage and the overall breathability of your soil.

Place Your Plant

Examine the roots. If they appear tightly bound, gently coax them apart; this ensures they can spread into the new soil. Place your plant in the hole so the top of the rootball is even with the surrounding soil—Backfill around it with the amended soil mixture. The roots need access to oxygen for your plant to thrive, so do not cover the rootball; place soil around it.

Mulch Your Plants

Top the soil beneath your plant with 3-4 inches of mulch to help it retain moisture. Be careful not to cover the rootball - your new plants roots need access to oxygen.

Water Your Plant

Soak the plant with a hose afterward to hydrate the plant, as well as get the soil and mulch situated. Develop a regular watering schedule based on your plant's needs and local weather patterns. Remember, over watering is just as, if not more, harmful than under watering.

Spacing Recommendations

Spacing Your Fool Proof Gardenia

To allow room for proper air circulation, you will want to place each shrub 24 - 36 inches apart, measured from center to center. While these are usually disease-free plants, allowing space for foliage
to dry after watering, or a rain shower is essential to the plant's overall health.

  • Scientific Name
    Gardenia hybrid 'Leesix' PP32472
  • Hardiness Zone
    7, 8, 9, 10
  • Sun Exposure
    Full Sun
  • Evergreen or Deciduous
    Evergreen
  • Features
    Aromatic, Attracts Birds / Butterflies, Disease Tolerant, Drought Tolerant, Dwarf, Flowering, Heat Tolerant, Reblooming
  • Feature Color
    Green, White
  • Uses
    Accent, Container, Cut Flowers, Mass Planting, Mixed Garden Bed, Woodland Garden
  • Water Needs
    Medium
  • Bloom Season
    Spring, Fall

Growing Zones : 7, 8, 9, and 10

Map of USDA Zones 7-10
Southern Living Plant Collection Nandinas planted in a container with heucherella in front of a fireplace

Southern Living Plants

A collection of shrubs, trees, and perennials selected by plant experts to thrive in the heat of the South. Find traditional varieties like camellias mixed with new landscape favorites like agapanthus. These varieties have been bred to tackle landscape challenges specific to the region.

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2 Gallon Fool Proof Gardenia with white flowers and green foliage planted in a brown southern living plant collection container
Southern Living Plant Collection

Fool Proof Gardenia

From $20.98 $36.98

The Fool Proof™ Gardenia (Cape Jasmine) is a native of the tropical and subtropical regions of Africa, Asia and Australia, but have slowly made their way into the United States where there is no shortage of gardeners eager to plant it! The Fool Proof Gardenia is reblooming Gardenia that produces double, pure white, fragrant blooms that emerge in late spring and rebloom through fall.

Fully mature plants reach an average size of 3–4′ H x 3’ W making it the ideal size for the perfect specimen or center piece in your landscape. With slender, glossy green leaves this shrub has graceful appearance that is sure to turn heads if the sweet fragrance doesn't attract their attention first. In addition to landscape planting this easy to grow shrub does exceptionally well in containers also.

Using the Fool Proof™ Gardenia in Your Garden

Since it will tolerate shade without a fuss, this is the plant you need to line the path to your garden or steps near an entryway into your home. Use it to edge beds or plant it as a specimen alongside your choice of Azaleas or Hydrangeas.

With the ability of grow in containers that means that even with its tropical origins, anyone can enjoy this fragrant beauty. In zones that receive colder weather in the winter you will be able to bring your plant indoors to protect it from the harsh temperatures and winds.

Fool Proof™ Gardenia Care

The Fool Proof Gardenia is hardy in USDA zones 7 - 10 but has special requirements in cooler areas. The ideal location to plant is in a spot that receives morning sun and afternoon shade. Sunlight will be beneficial to flower production, but too much may lead to burned foliage. Moist, well-draining soil consisting of rich organic material will be essential to the overall health of your plant. Acidic soil is preferred, but if yours leans towards the alkaline side you have no need for worry.

Pruning is not usually needed, but if you want to trim to control the size, do this straight after the spring flowering ends, and don’t trim back summer shoots, as that will prevent re-blooming. This variety has improved resistance to the pests and diseases that can affect other varieties, and it is less likely to be damaged by cold snaps or hot spells. Water regularly, but don’t water if the soil is already damp.

 

Gardenia Care Tips

Southern Living Plant Collection tips on maximizing your gardenia blooms.

Pot size

  • 2.5 Quart
  • 2 Gallon
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