Gardenia thunbergia /θʌnˈbɜːrdʒiə/
Common name: White gardenia · Forest gardenia · Wild gardenia
Gardenia thunbergia is an evergreen shrub or small tree in the coffee family Rubiaceae, native to southern and eastern Africa, including South Africa. It typically reaches 2–5 m in height, with glossy dark green leaves clustered at the branch tips and large, fragrant white flowers that open mainly at night. It is widely cultivated in warm climates as an ornamental, valued for its elegant blooms, glossy foliage, and decorative woody seed capsules.
Care summary
Sun
Full sun to partial shade
Water
Regular water; moderately drought tolerant once established
Soil
Slightly acidic, fertile, well-drained
Hardiness
Zones 9–11
Mature height
About 200–500 cm (6.5–16 ft)
Pet safe
No — gardenias are mildly toxic to cats and dogs
Difficulty
Moderate
Propagation
Propagate by semi-hardwood cuttings or from seed. Take 10-15 cm cuttings, remove the lower leaves, treat with rooting hormone, and root in a warm, humid, well-drained medium. Fresh seed can also be sown in spring, though seedlings are slow to flower.
Fun facts
- Its night-scented white flowers are adapted for pollination by moths.
- The hard, woody seed capsules can persist on the plant for years and are used in floral arrangements.
- The species honors Swedish botanist Carl Peter Thunberg, who collected plants in South Africa in the 18th century.
- It is the parent species from which many horticultural gardenia stock plants are grafted, as its roots resist nematodes.