Botanical Name: Gardenia augusta ‘Florida’ (syn. Gardenia jasminoides ‘Florida’)
Gardenia ‘Florida’ is a beautiful evergreen shrub admired for its highly fragrant, creamy-white flowers and glossy deep-green foliage. Its elegant blooms and rich fragrance bring a classic, luxurious feel to gardens and outdoor living spaces, making it a long-time favourite in Australian landscapes.
Key Features
• Produces highly fragrant, white flowers
• Long flowering period, mainly from late spring through the warmer months
• Compact, bushy growth habit that responds well to shaping
• Excellent for low hedges, borders and foundation planting
Pet-friendly: Yes. However, eating large amounts of any plant material may still cause mild digestive upset, so pets should be discouraged from chewing the plant.
Size Available
• Height: 20cm tall
• Pot Size: 140mm
• Mature Size: Approximately 1–1.5m tall × 1–1.5m wide
Care Guide
1. Light: Best grown in a position with morning sun and afternoon shade or bright filtered light. In Melbourne, protect from harsh afternoon sun and strong, cold winds. Some gentle direct sunlight will help encourage good flowering.
2. Water: Water deeply 2–3 times per week during establishment, adjusting according to rainfall and soil moisture. Once established, keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged, particularly during flowering and hot weather. Gardenias grown in pots may require more frequent watering during summer. Avoid allowing the soil to completely dry out for long periods.
3. Soil: Prefers fertile, well-drained, slightly acidic soil rich in organic matter. Improve garden soil with compost before planting. For pots, use a premium-quality potting mix suitable for acid-loving plants. Mulching around the root zone helps retain moisture and keep the roots cool, but keep mulch away from direct contact with the stems.
4. Fertiliser: Feed with a fertiliser formulated for gardenias, azaleas or other acid-loving plants in spring and during the growing season, following the manufacturer’s recommended application rates. Gardenias may develop yellow leaves when nutrients or soil conditions are unsuitable, so maintaining appropriate soil acidity and regular feeding is important.
5. Pruning: Lightly prune after the main flowering period to maintain a compact, bushy shape and encourage fresh growth. Remove dead, damaged or weak branches as needed. Avoid heavy pruning immediately before flowering, as this may remove developing flower buds.
