SCIENTIFIC NAME: Gardenia augusta 'Crown Jewel', PP 19,896

COMMON NAME: Crown Jewel Gardenia

GARDEN SIZE: 20-24 inches tall x 20-24 inches wide

GROWTH RATE: Moderate

USDA ZONE: 7-10

EXPOSURE: Part sun to shade (morning sun)

WATER & SOIL: Prefers moist, well-drained acidic soil. They have average water needs, requiring additional water during drought conditions, and do not tolerate drought well.

HABIT (FORM): Compact, rounded, spreading habit

FOLIAGE: Evergreen; dark green leaves

FLOWERS: Highly fragrant, double white blooms; blooms twice a year (spring and fall)

PLANT ORIGIN: southern China and Japan

WILDLIFE SUPPORT: May provide some nesting sites and shelter for birds and small mammals, but does not serve as much of a host for local insects and wildlife. May provide food for insects (pollinators) while blooming.

FERTILIZING: Use a fertilizer for acid-loving plants (such as Holly-tone) in early spring and fall

PRUNING: Not generally necessary. You may prune lightly after flowering to maintain shape if desired, or to remove dead or damaged branches.

TOXICITY FLAGS: FERTILIZING: Fertilize with an acid-loving plant fertilizer in spring and summer

USES: Specimen, Borders, Sensory Gardens (Fragrance). May be used in containers as an annual.