Species

3 other cultivars

shrub

Magnifica Gardenia

Gardenia augusta 'Magnifica'

The Story

Plant Bio

Gardenia augusta, commonly known as cape jasmine, is an evergreen shrub native to the warm, humid regions of East and Southeast Asia. Belonging to the Rubiaceae family, it is highly valued in cultivation for its lustrous, deep green foliage and intensely fragrant blooms.

'Magnifica' is a robust cultivar distinguished by its exceptionally large, rose-like double flowers that reach up to 12 centimetres in diameter. It forms a dense, upright, and rounded shrub up to two metres tall, making it an excellent choice for formal hedges or specimen planting.

Uses & Benefits:

Highly fragrant, large double white flowers set against lustrous, deep green evergreen foliage provide formal structure and sensory appeal.

Forms a dense, upright hedge or screen that can be easily maintained in containers or formal garden beds.

The fragrant blooms attract native bees and general pollinating insects to the garden.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

78 inches

Width

78 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

8, 9, 10

Water

High

Humidity

High

Lifespan

10-20 years

Native To

East Asia and Southeast Asia

Toxicity

Mildly toxic to pets

Bloom period

Late spring – Summer

In flower about 3 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site with acidic, organic-rich soil that drains freely, offering protection from harsh afternoon sun.
Incorporate generous amounts of compost, peat, or elemental sulfur to lower soil pH if planting in alkaline conditions.
Water deeply and regularly during the spring and summer growing seasons to keep the root zone consistently moist.
Apply an acid-loving, organic-based fertiliser every three to four weeks from early spring through late summer.
Spread a thick layer of organic mulch around the base, keeping it clear of the main stem, to preserve soil moisture.

Pro Tip

Maintain a thick layer of organic mulch over the shallow root zone to preserve moisture and maintain soil acidity; even brief summer dryness triggers immediate and heavy flower bud drop.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Mulch well to retain soil moisture and maintain acidity.
Water regularly during hot weather to prevent bud drop.
Apply chelated iron if leaves show interveinal chlorosis.

Don't

Do not plant in alkaline clay soils without incorporating organic matter and sulfur.
Do not allow the soil to dry out completely during the flowering season.
Do not prune heavily into old, leafless wood or during winter when buds are setting.

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

Feature PlantingHedgingContainersSensory Gardens

Companion Plants

Camellia sasanquaAzalea Pieris japonica

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Magnifica Gardenia questions

What zones can Magnifica Gardenia grow in?

Magnifica 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.

When does Magnifica Gardenia bloom?

Magnifica 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 Magnifica Gardenia need full sun?

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