Gardenia augusta 'Radicans'

Small, spreading, evergreen shrub that grows up to 0.5m tall and 1m wide.

This Gardenia is a small growing one with small narrow dark green glossy leaves. During spring and summer double white highly fragrant flowers are produced which turn creamy yellow with age.

Prefers full sun or partial shade, but shelter from frost and cold winds. Soil should be slightly acidic, free draining and rich in organic matter.

Young plants are easier to establish than larger ones. They will grow quickly when planted in autumn when soil is moist and warm. Always choose healthy, well-grown plants and plant after autumn rains. On heavy soils, raise the level of beds and borders with extra topsoil and coarse pumice sand. Before planting, ensure the root ball is saturated and remove the planter pot with minimal root disturbance. Trim any broken roots and plant at the same level as in the container. Dig a hole twice the diameter of the root ball, press in and water once planted. Make sure plants are watered well until established if planting in a drier period. Plant with some general slow-release fertiliser and then every spring, apply organic fertiliser at a handful per square metre (e.g. blood and bone).

Water weekly and deeply during dry periods and feed with a balanced slow-release fertiliser. The root-ball sometimes dries out despite the surrounding soil being moist; direct water down the plant stem to saturate the root-ball. The first summer and autumn after planting is critical for young plants; water thoroughly during dry periods. Mulching helps conserve moisture and suppress weeds; organic materials such as sawdust and bark contribute to soil structure as they decompose. Keep mulching material away from plant stems.

This Gardenia is easy to look after give it a light trim after flowering to promote new bushy growth other than that other pruning should not be required. But they can be cat back hard if need be.

If the soil is too alkaline gardenias will develop a yellowing of the leaves a condition called chlorosis. This is a result of some soil nutrients (particularly iron compounds) not being available for the plant to uptake since they are not water soluble and cannot be absorbed via the roots. This problem can be alleviated by adding small amounts of iron chelate or vinegar to acidify the soil. Care must be taken as too much can kill the plant.

Urban Trees