Species

Gardenia jasminoidesCommon Gardenia

17 other cultivars

shrub

Crown Jewel Gardenia

Gardenia jasminoides 'Crown Jewel'

The Story

Plant Bio

Gardenia jasminoides is a broadleaf evergreen shrub native to eastern Asia, valued for its dark glossy leaves and intensely fragrant blossoms. The single or clustered flowers produce heavy concentrations of sweet essential oils throughout the warmer months.

'Crown Jewel' is a dwarf, prostrate cultivar that reaches two to two and a half feet high with a spreading five-foot spread. It produces abundant double white flowers on both old and new wood, exhibiting cold hardiness down to USDA Zone 6.

Uses & Benefits:

Offers glossy evergreen foliage and double white flowers with strong fragrance.

Functions as a low-growing foundation cover or accent along walkways.

Provides cover and blooms that attract bees and insect pollinators.

SpeciesGardenia jasminoidesCommon Gardenia

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

30"

Width

60"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

6, 7, 8, 9, 10

Water

Moderate

Humidity

High

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Asia

Toxicity

Toxic if ingested

Bloom period

Early summer – Autumn

In flower about 6 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a site in full sun to partial shade with protection from intense late-afternoon sun.
Amend soil with organic compost to achieve a well-draining, acid media with a pH between 5.0 and 6.5.
Plant so the root ball sits level with or slightly above the surrounding grade to avoid crown pooling.
Apply a two-inch layer of organic mulch around the base without pressing it directly against the main stem.

Pro Tip

Apply organic mulch around the root zone rather than cultivating soil under the canopy, as digging severely damages the delicate, shallow feeder roots.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Maintain consistent soil moisture, especially during warm weather flushes.
Fertilize twice a year using acid-formulated plant food.
Provide partial shade in hot climates to protect foliage.

Don't

Do not allow soil to remain waterlogged or sit in stagnant water.
Do not prune late in the season or cut deep into old, leafless stems.
Do not cultivate or dig into the soil directly beneath the drip line.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Fertilize
Mulch
Pest Check
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Foundation PlantingBorder EdgingContainer FriendlyLow Hedge

Companion Plants

Rhododendron Camellia Heuchera Pieris

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Crown Jewel Gardenia questions

What zones can Crown Jewel Gardenia grow in?

Crown Jewel Gardenia is hardy in USDA Zones 6–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Crown Jewel Gardenia deer resistant?

Not reliably. Deer may browse Crown Jewel Gardenia, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.

When does Crown Jewel Gardenia bloom?

Crown Jewel Gardenia typically blooms in early summer through autumn. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Crown Jewel Gardenia need full sun?

Crown Jewel Gardenia does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.