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Cape jasmine (Gardenia jasminoides)

Gardenia jasminoides is an evergreen woody shrub, and the species can also take the form of a small tree. It is generally reported to be perennial.

LightSources differ somewhat: bright, indirect light to partial shade is considered suitable, while some sources also report tolerance of sunlight, with potted plants advised to avoid intense exposure.
WaterGardenia jasminoides prefers a moist but well-drained growing medium; it can be watered regularly after the surface dries slightly, while prolonged waterlogging should be avoided.
HumidityIt is generally reported to prefer moderate humidity and to need good airflow.
TemperatureThe few available sources report a minimum temperature of about 6 °C. A USDA hardiness-zone rating is generally reported, and the plant generally tolerates brief light frost.
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Cape jasmine illustration

Overview

Gardenia jasminoides is an evergreen woody shrub, and the species can also take the form of a small tree. It is generally reported to be perennial.

Origin and habitat

Its native range extends from East Asia to Southeast Asia, with sources specifically including China, Taiwan, Japan, the Korean Peninsula, and Indochina. It occurs in shrubland and forests along streams, as well as on slopes, hills, in valleys, and fields; Japanese sources also record it in mountain forests from sunny sites to partial shade. It is suited to warm temperate, subtropical, and tropical environments and is widely cultivated in these climates.

Characteristics

Sources differ on mature height, placing it at about 100–150 cm, while the few available sources report a mature spread of about 100–150 cm. The leaves are usually opposite, with some occurring in groups or whorls; they are leathery, glossy dark green, entire, prominently veined, and range in shape from elliptic and oblong to lanceolate and obovate. The strongly fragrant flowers are usually white and gradually become cream-yellow or pale yellow as they age; they are funnel-shaped, with single, semi-double, and double horticultural forms. Sources differ on flowering time, describing it mainly from late spring through summer, with some extending into autumn depending on origin and growing conditions; the fruit is generally reported to be an ovoid to oblong berry that can mature to orange-yellow, orange-red, or reddish yellow, while some double-flowered horticultural forms do not fruit.

Light

Sources differ somewhat: bright, indirect light to partial shade is considered suitable, while some sources also report tolerance of sunlight, with potted plants advised to avoid intense exposure.

Watering

Gardenia jasminoides prefers a moist but well-drained growing medium; it can be watered regularly after the surface dries slightly, while prolonged waterlogging should be avoided.

Humidity and airflow

It is generally reported to prefer moderate humidity and to need good airflow.

Temperature and dormancy

The few available sources report a minimum temperature of about 6 °C. A USDA hardiness-zone rating is generally reported, and the plant generally tolerates brief light frost.

Growing medium and mounting

Sources differ somewhat: Gardenia jasminoides prefers acidic soil that is rich in organic matter, fertile, loose, and well drained, while some sources also accept neutral soil.

Feeding

Nutrient supply should be monitored during vigorous growth, and fertilizer suitable for acid-loving plants can be used; nutrient deficiency may cause older lower leaves to yellow, while fertilizing in autumn can encourage new growth that is not frost-tolerant.

Propagation

Gardenia jasminoides can be propagated by cuttings, layering, seeds, or grafting; cuttings and air layering are reported to root after a period of time, while double-flowered forms that do not fruit cannot be propagated from collected seed.

Common problems

Potential pests include whiteflies, aphids, thrips, scale insects, mealybugs, and butterfly larvae that feed on buds or fruit. Poor airflow combined with high temperature and humidity can be associated with sooty mold, while gray mold may also occur in greenhouse conditions. Nutrient deficiency may yellow older lower leaves; the shallow roots do not tolerate root disturbance well, and hot, humid conditions with poor airflow increase the risk of scale insects and sooty mold. Protection from cold and strong winds is needed; potted plants should also avoid prolonged intense light exposure, and dryness should be avoided during cold periods.

Identification

A recognizable combination is evergreen, glossy dark green leathery foliage with large, fragrant white flowers that become cream-yellow as they age.

Photos

Gardenia jasminoides
📷 Alpsdake · CC BY-SA 3.0 · source
Gardenia jasminoides
📷 no rights reserved, uploaded by 葉子 · CC0 · source
Gardenia jasminoides
📷 no rights reserved, uploaded by 葉子 · CC0 · source

Sources