The Gardenia is an evergreen shrub with thick, shiny dark green foliage best known for its fragrant white flowers. Native to tropical areas of Africa and southern Asia, there are about 250 species of gardenia. The gardenia was named after Dr. Alexander Garden, an American naturalist.
Gardenias like high humidity, acid soil, and indirect bright light, making them perfect for southern gardens. Gardenia flowers range in size from small, single flowers to very large, compound flowers, and are prized for their intense, strong fragrance. One gardenia blossom can fill an entire house with it's smell.
Gardenias can be grown as houseplants or in the ground in temperate climates. Propagation is easily accomplished by rooting cuttings in water or soil. The gardenia fragrance is popular in perfumes and frangrance products.
Fast Facts:
- Gardenia was named by Carl Linnaeus after Dr Alexander Garden
- Gardenia flowers can range from small to very large
- Gardenias bloom from mid-spring to mid-summer
- Gardenias thrives in acidic soils with good drainage
- Gardenias can be grown as shrubs or small trees
Gardenia in Culture
Flowerstories.net: Meaning of the Gardenia
BBC News: Gardenia Fruit Extract Used in Chinese Medicine...to Treat Adult Diabetes... (2006)
Aradece: Gardenia: Flower of Love & Romance
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