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.
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.
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.
Last, but not least, lets discuss the correct spacing for this 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 important to the plant’s overall health.
Southern Living Plant Collection tips on maximizing your gardenia blooms.
Paul S (verified owner) –
Gardenia was in great condition when it arrived. Can’t wait to see the blooms appear.
ash.morrow (verified owner) –
My experience is nearly identical to Robert Trotta’s as listed. Got these plants and for the first year they seemed to do well, but now on May 1st it appears they are completely dead, all leaves are brown and not appearing to be any new growth. Very disappointed as I spent quite a bit of money on these to use as foundation plant and now they are dead and look terrible.
Christy Miller –
Good morning. Just as humans are capable of surviving great weather extremes, they need to be taken great care of as infants. These plants are very young and require care during harsher weather conditions. The Fool Proof Gardenia is conditioned for planting zone 7-10 if care is provided for the first two years.- Christy
Robert Trotta (verified owner) –
Well, the plants were great when they arrived last year. They were fair during the summer, not exactly loaded with flowers, despite careful care, but now it doesn’t look like they survived the winter here in southern Connecticut zone seven. A little disappointing because they have crispy brown right now. Not sure what happened. I did order two more of a different variety of gardenia that are also supposed to be winterproof, but they are in Clay pots right now and will probably remain there. They did arrive a while back on the very cold day but I’m thinking they’ll be OK and I will not leave these out in the winter. I’ll bring them inside into my basement under gro lights with all my other plants, including hibiscus and geraniums. Anyway, I hope these new Gardenia plants live up to their hype.
Melody F Sheldon (verified owner) –
I HAVE GOTTEN SEVERAL GARDENIA PLANTS AND HAVE ALWAYS BEEN VERY HAPPY WITH THEM AND THIS ONE IS NO EXCEPTION. WHEN I TOOK IT OUT OF THE BOX THE ROOM FILLED WITH THE WONDERFUL SMELL OF THE GARDENIA. IT WAS FULL OF BLOOMS AND A VERY NICE SHAPE PLANT. I COULD NOT BE MORE SATISFIED. PLANTS BY MAIL HAS ALWAYS SENT WONDERFUL HEALTH PLANTS TO ME IN THE YEARS I HAVE BOUGHT FROM THEM. YOU CANT GO WRONG WITH THIS PLANT I JUST LOVE IT
Nancy L Tonetti (verified owner) –
I am adding to previously purchased gardenias. Was so pleased with them that I wanted to expand.
Nancy L Tonetti (verified owner) –
I was amazed at how healthy and full the plants were. They looked as if they had just been picked up at the nursery. Really didn’t expect such excellent condition.
MR (verified owner) –
The plant arrived in a timely manner and was in excellent condition. Was extremely pleased with the plant and service.
Dawnmm (verified owner) –
They plants arrived a little wilted, but with a nice drink they bounced back and looked great! Very full, lots of flowers that smell great! Very impressed! This was my first time ordering plants by mail and I was a little skeptical. I’m very pleased with my purchase and wouldn’t hesitate to order again.
Dawn (verified owner) –
They plants arrived a little wilted, but with a nice drink they bounced back and looked great! Very full, lots of flowers that smell great! Very impressed! This was my first time ordering plants by mail and I was a little skeptical. I’m very pleased with my purchase and wouldn’t hesitate to order again.
Robert Trotta (verified owner) –
Plants were great. Lots of buds. Some flowers have already opened. I thought they might be a little bit bigger, but I know that once it gets warm in So. CT and I get them in the ground, they will grow like crazy. I just hope they truly are FOOL PROOF GARDENIAS and will survive the winter here unlike the one I bought last year from The Tree Center that is nice and crispy right now!
Lena Olivetti –
First time planting these .I bought four for containers. They bloomed all summer.The fragrance was fantastic. I highly recommend these. For containers
Christy from Florida (verified owner) –
The Fool Proof Gardenias arrived healthy & in bloom. It’s the only compact & upright gardenia. An August Beauty Gardenia I planted splayed open showing me the difference. Fool Proof has small, narrow leaves. I heard Frost Proof can splay open making Fool Proof an improvement. Leaves were mostly green. For yellow leaves I add magnesium as that is a common deficiency in the soil here. I found an iron mineral supplement that helps also. I planted the gardenias two inches above grade, with the roots showing. For prevention I added worm castings to prevent white flies.
candylloyd1610 (verified owner) –
very healthy plant can’t wait to get this nice looking shrub in the ground.
CD (verified owner) –
I have ordered many plants. They all arrived healthy. And they have flower buds even early July. Very happy.
Frederic Kahler –
A lovely addition to the gardens. To avoid yellow leaves make sure the soil is slightly acidic and not alkaline, so try pine mulch. Blooms throughout the year.
Shirl (verified owner) –
Plants were gorgeous, nice round shape, loaded with buds and dark green leaves! Will order again from PBM
Sudhanshu Choudhary (verified owner) –
Plant had yellow leaves. Some buds have formed but there is quite a bit of bud drop.
Heath (verified owner) –
Plant was full but the leaves were quite yellow.
bankergaj (verified owner) –
Plants were very healthy and arrived on time. I will make Plants By Mail my place to go.