Species

4 other cultivars

shrub

Professor Pucci Gardenia

Gardenia augusta 'Professor Pucci'

The Story

Plant Bio

Gardenia jasminoides, the cape jasmine, is an evergreen shrub native to moist Asian woodlands, characterized by thick, glossy, dark emerald green leaves. The species is highly valued for its intensely fragrant, creamy-white flowers that bloom from late spring through summer.

'Professor Pucci' is distinguished by its dense, rounded, upright-to-bushy growth habit and formal, polished structure. It produces exceptionally large, double or semi-double rose-like flowers that open clean white before maturing to a soft buttery ivory.

Uses & Benefits:

Highly valued for its glossy, deep green evergreen foliage and large, fragrant, double white flowers.

Functions well as a formal hedge, foundation plant, or container specimen in sheltered courtyard spaces.

Provides nectar and pollen for generalist insect pollinators such as bees and butterflies.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

60"

Width

48"

Light

Partial Sun, Shade

Zones

8, 9, 10

Water

Moderate

Humidity

High

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Asia

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Late spring – Summer

In flower about 4 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site with rich, organic-rich, highly draining acidic soil (pH 5.0 to 6.5) that receives partial shade or filtered afternoon sunlight.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and plant at the same depth, backfilling with soil amended with organic matter.
Apply a thick layer of organic mulch over the root zone to conserve moisture and protect the shallow root system, keeping it clear of the main stem.
Water consistently to maintain even soil moisture, ensuring the ground never dries out completely or becomes waterlogged.

Pro Tip

Yellowing leaves with green veins indicate iron chlorosis, which is triggered by alkaline soil or watering with calcium-rich tap water rather than a lack of fertilizer.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water regularly to maintain consistent soil moisture, especially during hot, dry summer spells.
Apply a specialized fertilizer formulated for acid-loving plants every two to three months during the active spring and summer growing seasons.
Provide sheltered placement to protect the foliage and flower buds from heavy winter freezes.

Don't

Do not plant in alkaline soils or irrigate with hard, calcium-rich tap water, which prevents iron uptake.
Do not prune hard into old, leafless wood, as the plant rarely resprouts from bare branches.
Do not allow the soil to become waterlogged or compacted, which rapidly induces root rot.

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 PlantingSpecimen PlantCourtyard GardensFragrant BordersContainers

Companion Plants

Camellia sasanqua Rhododendron Pieris japonica

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Professor Pucci Gardenia questions

What zones can Professor Pucci Gardenia grow in?

Professor Pucci Gardenia is hardy in USDA Zones 8–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Professor Pucci Gardenia deer resistant?

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

When does Professor Pucci Gardenia bloom?

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

Does Professor Pucci Gardenia need full sun?

Professor Pucci Gardenia does best in part shade.