shrub

Leefive Double Mint Gardenia

The Story

Plant Bio

Gardenia jasminoides is a broadleaf evergreen shrub prized for its glossy, dark green leaves and intensely fragrant, waxy white flowers. It requires acidic soil and consistent moisture to thrive.

'Leefive', sold as DOUBLE MINT, is a compact, mounding cultivar known for its prolific, fully double, 2-inch flowers that resemble miniature roses. It is also a reliable rebloomer, flowering in late spring and then again in summer.

Uses & Benefits:

Double Mint Gardenia is a premier ornamental shrub, offering a multi-sensory experience with its beautiful, glossy evergreen foliage, perfectly formed double white flowers, and an intoxicatingly sweet fragrance that can perfume an entire patio or garden.

Its compact size makes it ideal for use in containers, as a low formal hedge, or in foundation plantings near windows and entryways where its fragrance can be enjoyed. The flowers are also excellent for cutting.

The fragrant flowers attract night-flying moths, such as the sphinx moth, which are important pollinators for many plants. They also attract bees and other daytime pollinators.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

36 inches

Width

36 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

7, 8, 9, 10

Water

Moderate

Humidity

High

Lifespan

Shrub, 10-15 years

Native To

China, Taiwan, Japan

Toxicity

Mildly toxic if ingested

Bloom period

Late spring – Mid-summer

In flower about 3 months of the year

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.
Amend soil with compost and peat moss.
Set the plant so the top of the root ball is slightly above soil level.
Mulch with pine straw or bark to retain moisture and acidify soil.

Pro Tip

Use a fertilizer formulated for acid-loving plants like azaleas and camellias to prevent yellowing leaves (chlorosis).

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Provide acidic soil with a pH between 5.0 and 6.5.
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
Fertilize regularly during the growing season.
Provide good air circulation to discourage fungal diseases.

Don't

Do not plant in alkaline or neutral soil.
Avoid letting the soil dry out completely.
Don't prune late in the season, as this will remove next year's flower buds.
Avoid planting near concrete walkways which can leach lime and raise soil pH.

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 accent in foundation plantingsElegant specimen for containers on patiosLush low hedge along walkways

Companion Plants

Azalea Camellia Hydrangea macrophylla Pieris japonicaFerns

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Leefive Double Mint Gardenia questions

What zones can Leefive Double Mint Gardenia grow in?

Leefive Double Mint 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 Leefive Double Mint Gardenia deer resistant?

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

When does Leefive Double Mint Gardenia bloom?

Leefive Double Mint 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 Leefive Double Mint Gardenia need full sun?

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