Gardenia augusta 'August Beauty'
shrub

August Beauty Gardenia

Gardenia augusta 'August Beauty'

$18.99
Expertly Curated
Real-Time Pricing
Loved by Designers

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

60 inches

Width

42 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

8, 9

Water

Medium to high

Humidity

High

Lifespan

15-25 years

Native To

Southern China, Taiwan, Japan

Toxicity

Toxic to dogs, cats, and horses.

The Story

Plant Bio

Gardenia augusta (also known as G. jasminoides) is a broadleaf evergreen shrub from Asia, celebrated for its glossy, dark green leaves and incredibly fragrant, waxy, white flowers. 'August Beauty' is a popular cultivar known for its vigorous growth, large size, and extended blooming season, producing abundant, 2-3 inch, double white flowers from late spring through summer.

Bloom Period:

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
EarlyLate

Uses & Benefits:

Ornamental UsesThe primary appeal of 'August Beauty' is its intoxicatingly fragrant, beautiful white flowers, which perfume the air. The glossy evergreen foliage provides a lush, tropical feel and year-round structure in the garden.
Practical UsesIt is an excellent choice for planting near entryways, patios, or windows where its fragrance can be enjoyed. It can also be grown in containers on decks or porches. The flowers are superb for cutting.
Ecological BenefitsThe fragrant flowers attract night-flying moths, such as sphinx moths, which serve as key pollinators for the plant. This interaction adds a dynamic element to the evening garden.

Marketplace

Where to Buy

Plants By Mail
Ships Year Round Free Shipping Available (Threshold: $100.00)
1+ Gal Pot
In Stock$18.99
In Stock$19.95
In Stock$26.70
In Stock$28.95

Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping

Planting

How to Grow

  1. Select a site with morning sun and afternoon shade.
  2. Ensure soil is acidic, rich, and well-drained.
  3. Dig a hole twice as wide as the pot.
  4. Set the plant slightly higher than the surrounding soil.
  5. Backfill with amended soil and water well.
  6. Apply a 2-3 inch layer of organic mulch.

Pro Tip

Maintain acidic soil by mulching with pine needles or using an acid-forming fertilizer to prevent yellowing leaves (chlorosis).

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

  • Provide consistent water, especially during hot weather.
  • Fertilize regularly during the growing season with an acid fertilizer.
  • Mulch to keep roots cool and moist.
  • Prune after flowering to shape the plant and promote bushiness.

Don't

  • Don't plant in alkaline or neutral soil.
  • Avoid planting in full, harsh afternoon sun.
  • Don't allow the soil to dry out completely.
  • Avoid pruning late in the season, as this will remove next year's flower buds.

Seasonal Care Calendar

TaskJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Fertilize
Mulch
Pest Check
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Intensely fragrant specimen near patios or windowsLustrous evergreen hedge or foundation plantingClassic choice for containers in formal gardens

Companion Plants

Azalea Camellia Hydrangea Loropetalum Ferns

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

August Beauty Gardenia questions

What zones can August Beauty Gardenia grow in?

August Beauty 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 August Beauty Gardenia deer resistant?

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

When does August Beauty Gardenia bloom?

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

Does August Beauty Gardenia need full sun?

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

Keep exploring

Explore the genus

Collections featuring this plant

Grow August Beauty Gardenia with confidence

See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.

Download Sow on the App StoreGet Sow on Google Play