The gardenia flower is a superb white flowering plant. Also known as cape jasmine, the gardenia is associated with feminine elegance and deep feelings. The scent of this beauty is incredibly captivating and inimitable. The gardenia seduces with its powerful scent of jasmine delicately enhanced with vanilla.
More often than not, the gardenia decorates the indoors, the balcony, and the garden in an exceptional way. In addition, its culture is a little more demanding. The gardenia is widely viewed as a symbol of elegance as well as courtesy.
Today, we provide you with all the information you need regarding this spectacular flower. We believe you should get to know its origin and its characteristic features. In addition, you can discover several tips for planting, growing, and caring for gardenias, as well as some other fun facts.
In this article, we explain the following points:
- What are the main characteristics of a gardenia flower?
- Growing gardenias
- Planting gardenias
- Caring for gardenias
- Interesting facts about gardenias
- Gardenia flower symbolism
What are the Main Characteristics of a Gardenia Flower?
Indeed, the gardenia owes its name to the famous Scottish botanist, Alexander Garden. At the time, it was believed that this flower could bring good luck. Therefore, it was placed in the sick rooms to help them heal and recover.
The gardenia is part of the Rubiaceae family. It is a small shrub native to China, Japan, and Taiwan, and it prefers tropical and subtropical regions. The gardenia has a diameter of 5 cm to 10 cm and is located at the top of the stem. Furthermore, the white flowers of the gardenia give off a wonderful fragrance, which makes this plant perfect for interior decoration.
The gardenia is characterized by brilliant evergreen foliage available in a dark green color. The shape of the leaves is oval, and they can reach a length of 15 cm. The gardenia flower prefers a high humidity, acidic soil but does not support direct sunlight.
Growing Gardenias
Gardenia is a shrub that grows mainly outdoors. Its cultivation in pots as an indoor plant is possible but requires special care and constant attention. You should be able to place it outside during the summer. Then, reserve it in a greenhouse heated between 12 and 16 ° C in winter.
The plant appreciates the light but prefers shade to direct sunlight, especially in summer. Gardenia watering should be regular, several times a week, if possible, with non-hard water and at room temperature. The gardenia loves humidity in the atmosphere.
Potting gardenia is possible every year after the flowering period. This is an opportunity to enrich the soil with fertilizers, algae, or manure. However, its multiplication is very difficult to achieve for an amateur gardener and requires professional techniques.
Planting Gardenias
We strongly recommend to plant gardenias where you can enjoy their fragrance and scent. It is also possible to grow them in a garden bed with other acid-loving plants. In addition, there are a few varieties whose size allows them to play the role of a hedge.
The gardenia flower prefers acidic well-drained soil and it does not support limescale. As a rule, gardenias are grown indoors. Do not place your gardenia flower near a radiator as it can dehydrate. However, potted gardenias could be planted throughout the year.
If you want to plant your gardenia indoors, it is recommended to use a mixture of heather, earth, perlite, and leaf mold. Choose a bright place but avoid direct sunlight. It is best to plant the gardenia in May or June. A useful tip is to dig a large hole to allow the roots to spread.
Caring Gardenias
Avoid watering the gardenia flower with hard water since it causes the leaves to turn yellow. Thus, use rainwater or any other source. After watering, wait until the soil is completely dry before watering again. In winter, it is best to water once a week.
It is also important to regularly bathe the leaves; otherwise the flower buds will fall off. When doing so, be careful not to wet the flowers. As the gardenia prefers constant humidity, we advise you to place your pot on a bed of clay balls. Thus, you can ensure a good drainage while keeping the humidity.
Interesting facts about Gardenias
- The gardenia flower hides more than one history and mystery. Keep reading some interesting facts you may never heard of or simply know about gardenias.
- The gardenia is called “Cape Jasmine” and it comes from Southeast Asia.
- Some rare gardenia species can withstand low temperatures as -18 ° C. This is the case of Gardenia Augusta Grandiflora. This genus flower exists mainly in France.
- The gardenia was the favorite flower of the French dressmaker Coco Chanel. The American singer Billie Holiday decorated her hair with gardenia flowers, too.
- Gardénia” is also the name of an association fighting for the protection of plant species.
Gardenia Flower Symbolism
In the language of flowers, the gardenia seems to be a breathtaking flower in floral arrangements. Indeed, it brings honor and stands for feminine beauty. It is said that the biblical figure, Solomon, offered a gardenia flower each morning to each of the women in his harem. This was done in order to ease tensions and jealousies.
Between rose and camellia, the gardenia boasts the charms of femininity with elegance and a lot of delicacy. Thus, offering a gardenia to a beloved one is a sign of good taste and good manners.
If you are at loss of words, you can always give this beautiful flower. It could be interpreted as “you are beautiful and adorable.” It boils down to the fact that gardenia symbolizes faithful love and shyness.
Gardenia is an attractive white flower with irresistible leaves. It originates from tropical regions of southern Asia, Africa, and Oceania. This subtropical plant requires attention and constant care in order to successfully grow and flourish. Their fragrance is charming and fascinating.
