shrub

Prince Charles Gardenia

Gardenia jasminoides 'Prince Charles'

Not currently listed at our partner nurseries.

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Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

48 inches

Width

60 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

7, 8, 9

Water

Medium

Humidity

Prefers high humidity

Lifespan

Medium

Native To

Asia

Toxicity

Toxic to cats, dogs, and horses

The Story

Plant Bio

Gardenia jasminoides is a classic evergreen shrub known for its intoxicatingly fragrant white flowers and lustrous, deep green foliage. It is a staple of southern gardens, requiring acidic soil and consistent care. 'Prince Charles', also sold as Steady as She Goes®, is a modern cultivar selected for its exceptional reblooming ability, producing fragrant double flowers from late spring until the first frost on a sturdy, well-branched plant.

Bloom Period:

EarlyLate

Uses & Benefits:

This gardenia is a showstopper, offering a nearly continuous display of classic, fragrant white blossoms against a backdrop of handsome, glossy evergreen leaves. It brings a sense of timeless romance and sensory delight to the garden from spring through fall.

Its medium size and dense, rounded habit make it an excellent choice for a fragrant informal hedge, a foundation plant, or a standout specimen in a mixed border. The flowers are superb for cutting and bringing their perfume indoors.

The sweet, strong fragrance of gardenia flowers is particularly attractive to nocturnal pollinators like moths. During the day, they are also visited by bees and other insects.

Marketplace

Where to Buy

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Planting

How to Grow

Choose a spot with morning sun and afternoon shade.
Ensure soil is acidic (pH 5.0-6.5) and well-drained.
Incorporate compost or peat moss into the planting hole.
Plant with the crown of the roots level with the soil surface.
Water thoroughly after planting.
Mulch with pine needles or bark to retain moisture.

Pro Tip

Consistent watering is the key to preventing bud drop; use a soaker hose to keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Provide consistent water, especially in summer heat.
Feed with a fertilizer formulated for acid-loving plants.
Mulch to protect roots and maintain soil moisture.
Ensure good air circulation around the plant.

Don't

Do not let the plant dry out between waterings.
Avoid planting in alkaline soil.
Don't prune late in the season, as this can remove next year's flower buds.
Avoid splashing water on the leaves to prevent fungal spots.

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

Fragrant evergreen hedgeSpecimen plant for mixed bordersAnchor for foundation plantings

Companion Plants

Azalea Loropetalum Pieris japonica Helleborus Farfugium

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Prince Charles Gardenia questions

What zones can Prince Charles Gardenia grow in?

Prince Charles 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 Prince Charles Gardenia deer resistant?

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

When does Prince Charles Gardenia bloom?

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

Does Prince Charles Gardenia need full sun?

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