SCIENTIFIC NAME: Gardenia jasminoides 'Frostproof'

COMMON NAME: Frostproof Gardenia

GARDEN SIZE: 5 feet tall x 4 feet wide

GROWTH RATE: Slow

USDA ZONE: 7-11 (borderline in Tennessee)

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): Rounded, upright

FOLIAGE: Evergreen; lustrous, dark green leaves

FLOWERS: Fragrant; Large white blooms (2-3 inches wide) in summer

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: Generally considered mildly toxic to pets.

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