SCIENTIFIC NAME: Gardenia jasminoides 'Prince Charles', USPP 29,304

COMMON NAME: Steady as She Goes® Gardenia

GARDEN SIZE: 3-5 feet tall x 4-7 feet wide

GROWTH RATE: Moderate

USDA ZONE: 7-10 (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): Upright, medium-sized shrub

FOLIAGE: Evergreen; glossy, dark green leaves

FLOWERS: Fragrant; white blossoms continuously blooming from spring through 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: Generally considered mildly toxic to pets.

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