Species

3 other cultivars

shrub

Florida Gardenia

Gardenia augusta 'Florida'

The Story

Plant Bio

Gardenia augusta is a dense, rounded evergreen shrub native to southern China and East Asia, belonging to the Rubiaceae family. It features glossy, dark green, leathery leaves arranged in opposite pairs or whorls, and produces highly fragrant, white terminal flowers.

'Florida' is a compact cultivar reaching up to 150 centimetres in height and width, making it highly suited for formal hedges or container planting. It is distinguished by its semi-double to double rose-like blooms that open pure white before maturing to a creamy yellow.

Uses & Benefits:

Produces highly fragrant, pure white double flowers that contrast against glossy, dark green foliage.

Functions well as a neat, compact formal hedge or container specimen due to its dense branching habit.

Supports generalist native and introduced insects and bees via nectar access.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

59 inches

Width

59 inches

Light

Partial Sun, Shade

Zones

9, 10

Water

High

Humidity

High

Lifespan

Perennial shrub

Native To

Southern China and East Asia

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Spring – Summer

In flower about 4 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Plant in a position that receives morning sun or dappled light, ensuring protection from harsh afternoon sun to prevent leaf scorch.
Prepare the soil with generous amounts of organic matter to create a humus-rich, well-drained acidic loam with a pH between 5.0 and 6.5.
Water regularly to keep the soil consistently moist, taking care to ensure excellent drainage to avoid root rot.
Apply a specialized acid-loving plant fertiliser or slow-release granular formulation during the spring and summer growing months.

Pro Tip

Maintain consistent soil moisture during spring and summer to prevent unseasonal bud drop, and avoid pruning hard into old, leafless woody stems which fail to regenerate.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water consistently throughout the warmer months to prevent moisture stress and subsequent bud drop.
Tip-prune lightly immediately after flowering to encourage a bushier growth habit.
Apply chelated iron or magnesium sulfate if leaves show signs of yellowing chlorosis with green veins.

Don't

Do not plant in full, harsh afternoon sun as this will scorch and burn the glossy foliage.
Do not prune hard into old, bare woody stems as they often fail to shoot back.
Do not allow the soil to become waterlogged, which quickly induces root rot.

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

HedgesCourtyardsContainer PlantingFormal Gardens

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Florida Gardenia questions

What zones can Florida Gardenia grow in?

Florida Gardenia is hardy in USDA Zones 9–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

When does Florida Gardenia bloom?

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

Does Florida Gardenia need full sun?

Florida Gardenia does best in part shade.