shrub

Jubilation Gardenia

Gardenia jasminoides 'Leeone'

Not currently listed at our partner nurseries.

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Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

48 inches

Width

36 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

7, 8, 9

Water

Medium to high

Humidity

High

Lifespan

Shrub, 10-15 years

Native To

Asia

Toxicity

Mildly toxic to pets if ingested.

The Story

Plant Bio

Gardenias are broadleaf evergreen shrubs celebrated for their glossy, dark green foliage and intensely fragrant, waxy white flowers. They require acidic soil and consistent moisture to thrive. Jubilation ('Leeone') is a popular reblooming variety, producing a heavy flush of fragrant, double flowers in spring and continuing to bloom sporadically through summer and into fall.

Bloom Period:

EarlyLate

Uses & Benefits:

Jubilation provides classic southern charm with its intoxicatingly fragrant white blossoms and lustrous evergreen foliage. It's a superb specimen, accent, or container plant near patios and entryways where the scent can be enjoyed.

The flowers are a favorite for cutting and using in floating bowls or floral arrangements, bringing their powerful fragrance indoors. It can be grown as a beautiful, informal hedge.

The fragrant flowers attract night-flying moths, which are important pollinators for many plant species, as well as bees during the day.

Marketplace

Where to Buy

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Planting

How to Grow

Select a site with morning sun and afternoon shade.
Ensure soil is acidic, well-drained, and rich in organic matter.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball.
Plant high, with the top of the root ball slightly above soil level.
Backfill with amended soil and water deeply.
Apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch, avoiding the main stem.

Pro Tip

Mulch with pine straw or pine bark to help maintain the acidic soil pH that gardenias crave.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Use a fertilizer formulated for acid-loving plants.
Provide consistent moisture, especially during hot weather.
Prune after flowering to avoid cutting off next year's buds.
Test soil pH and amend if necessary to keep it between 5.0 and 6.5.

Don't

Do not plant near a concrete foundation, which can leach lime and raise pH.
Avoid letting the soil dry out completely.
Don't use overhead irrigation, which can spot the flowers.
Do not cultivate deeply around the shallow roots.

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Intensely fragrant foundation plantingElegant container specimen for patiosClassic evergreen hedge for entryways

Companion Plants

Azalea Hydrangea Ferns Camellia Hosta

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Jubilation Gardenia questions

What zones can Jubilation Gardenia grow in?

Jubilation Gardenia is hardy in USDA Zones 7–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Jubilation Gardenia deer resistant?

Yes — Jubilation Gardenia is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Jubilation Gardenia bloom?

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

Does Jubilation Gardenia need full sun?

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