190 saves
Gardenia
We track 17 varieties; the ones most used by real gardeners.
The 16 most-saved Gardenia varieties
Browse all 17 Gardenia varieties →
Species of Gardenia
Each one is a parent of the varieties above.
Track your Gardenia in Sow
Save the Gardenia you grow and get care reminders timed to your zone.
How to grow Gardenia
Whats common across all Gardenia varieties in our catalog — drawn from the care records of the 17 most-grown of them.
The Gardenia year
- PruneJune and July94% of varieties
Prune lightly to shape immediately after flowering finishes.
- FertilizeMarch, May and July94% of varieties
Feed with an acid-loving plant fertilizer after blooming and through the growing season.
- Check for PestsApril–August94% of varieties
Regularly inspect for aphids, whiteflies, and scale insects.
- MulchApril and October65% of varieties
Apply a 2-inch layer of pine straw or bark to retain moisture and acidify soil.
Do
- Water consistently to keep soil moist 🌱
- Mulch to conserve moisture and keep roots cool.
- Fertilize regularly during the growing season.
- Provide consistent moisture, especially during dry spells.
- Use acidic fertilizer.
Avoid
- Do not plant in alkaline or neutral soil.
- Avoid letting the soil dry out completely.
- Don't plant in alkaline or neutral soil.
- Avoid overhead watering, which can promote leaf spot.
What goes wrong with Gardenia
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Whiteflies | Clouds of tiny white insects fly up when disturbed; sticky honeydew on leaves. | Use yellow sticky traps. Spray with insecticidal soap or horticultural oil. For severe cases, use a systemic insecticide containing imidacloprid. |
| Aphids | Clusters of small insects on new growth; distorted leaves; sticky honeydew. | A strong jet of water can dislodge them. Introduce ladybugs. Spray with neem oil or pyrethrin-based insecticides. |
| Scale Insects | Hard or soft bumps on stems and leaves, leading to sooty mold. | Scrub off with a soft brush; apply horticultural oil during the dormant season. |
| Scale | Hard or soft bumps on stems and leaves; sooty mold. | Apply horticultural oil during the dormant season. Systemic insecticides can be effective for heavy infestations. |
| Sooty Mold | A black, powdery coating on leaves, which is a fungus growing on insect honeydew. | Control the pests (aphids, scale, whiteflies) causing the honeydew. The mold can be gently washed off with soapy water. |
| Powdery Mildew | White, powdery patches on leaves and stems. | Improve air circulation. Apply horticultural oil or a potassium bicarbonate solution. Use a fungicide containing myclobutanil if severe. |
| Iron Chlorosis | Yellow leaves with green veins, caused by high soil pH. | Apply chelated iron to the soil and use an acidifying fertilizer. |
Making more Gardenia
Softwood Cuttings
- Take 4-6 inch cuttings from new growth in late spring.
- Remove lower leaves and dip the cut end in rooting hormone.
- Plant in a mix of perlite and peat moss.
- Cover with a plastic bag to maintain humidity.
- Roots should form in 6-8 weeks.
Semi-hardwood cuttings
- Take semi-hardwood tip cuttings during the warmer months of the year.
- Dip the cut ends in rooting hormone to encourage root development.
- Insert cuttings into a well-draining propagation mix and keep consistently moist.
- Place in a warm, humid environment with filtered light until roots establish.
Gardenia questions
How many types of Gardenia are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 17 distinct Gardenia varieties. The most popular — ranked by 190 real gardeners — are shown first above.
What zones does Gardenia grow in?
Across its varieties, Gardenia covers USDA Zones 7–10. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
When does Gardenia bloom?
Most Gardenia varieties bloom in late spring, early summer, late spring into summer. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Gardenia should I choose?
Start from the most-saved varieties above — popularity across thousands of gardens is a strong signal of reliability — then filter by your zone and sun. In the Sow app you can preview any of them in a photo of your actual yard before you buy.