Common Gardenia

Description:

The Gardenia is generalized to have about 200 different specific varieties of its kind. The common gardenia, also known to be kiele in the Hawaiian and cape jasmine in other states is an evergreen shrub. This type of gardenia can range from 2-8 feet in height. While it's spread is relatively the same no matter the height.The thick, glossy, dark green leaves are opposite, ovalor narrow, 3–5 inches long, and 1–1 1⁄2 inches wide. Leaf arrangement is a whorl. The waxy, highly fragrant white lowers, 2–5 inches across, are commonly borne singly in the leaf axes. Depending on the cultivar, the flowers can be either single or double. The fleshy, ovoid fruit is an orange capsule about 1⁄2–1 1⁄2 inches long, containing many seeds.

Habitat:

To receive the best flower production has to either have full exposure to sun with a cool climate or filtered shade and a hotter air temperature. The common gardenia can grow comfortably from 10-2500 feet in elevation.

Notes:

Uses : With their glossy, dark green foliage, gardenia plants make a great foundation in a landscape. Gardenia is a popular cut flower for the florist for use in corsages and, in Hawai‘i, leis. The flowers float nicely in table-top glass or ceramic vessels. The fruit of some types is eaten in China.