Frost Proof Gardenia
From PlantWiki
| Frost Proof Gardenia |
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 Frost Proof Gardenia in bloom |
| Species |
| Gardenia |
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History
Gardenias have been cultivated in gardens and greenhouses around the world for centuries. The highly romanticized flowers are exotic and beautiful. Traditionally, the Gardenia can be a very tricky plant to grow outdoors. This has not slowed down the interest in planting these evergreen shrubs in the yard. The quest to make them bloom keeps the Gardenia a highly sought after yard and garden element across the temperate regions of the US.
Plant breeders have diligently worked to increase Gardenia plants cold hardiness and dependability of bloom. There is now a selection of cold hardy Gardenias to choose from. Both Kleim’s Hardy Gardenia (single bloom) and Chuck Hayes Gardenia (fully double) are somewhat cold resistant. Still, both exhibit the tendency to drop most or all of their flower buds in the event of a little late frost.
Recently, plant breeders have made a major breakthrough in making this sought after evergreen more resilient to misbehavior of spring weather. The result is the much talked about Frost Proof Gardenia (G. jasminoides ‘Frostproof’).
Characteristics
A fast growing evergreen shrub of medium texture for the landscape, Frost Proof Gardenia is hardy in zone 6-9. The plant is densely clothed in lustrous, deep emerald green leaves throughout the year. It has a natural mounded shape that is well branched and requires very little pruning.
Frost Proof Gardenia thrives in evenly moist, humus rich and acidic soil that is well drained. At maturity, it will reach about 4 to 5 feet tall and wide. It is drought tolerant once established. It should have protection from strong cold winds and be placed where it will get good air circulation.
The blooms of this new cold hardy Gardenia are fully double with thick petals in that characteristic white. The scent has not been lost or changed as a result of the hybridizing. Frostproof has been proven to hang onto the flower buds through late light frosts very well. Of all the Gardenias, Frostproof will be the most dependable bloomer of all.
Uses
This evergreen shrub is somewhat smaller than the rest of the Gardenias available. The mature size makes the plant acceptable in any placement in a foundation planting. Frost proof will never close off the view out a standard set window as it finished off at 4-5 feet tall. This also makes it a medium sized shrub that will work well in a graduated heights landscape design plan.
Home Use
Frost Proof Gardenia is the most cold hardy shrub introduced to date. This very vigorous shrub that produces highly beautiful and sweetly scented flowers that are about 3 inches across. This cold hardy variety is one of the earliest blooming of all the Gardenias. In the warm climate landscapes it can serve several roles quite well. The plant has the benefit of richly colored leaves with a medium texture that remains full of foliage through the cold season.
The mature size of the Frost Proof Gardenia makes it an excellent candidate to plant beneath windows or to add presence to the front entry. Besides the heady scented blossoms, the evergreen can add solidness to perennial gardens. In outdoor living areas like the patio or deck the awaited spring perfume will lend unequaled ambiance. Knowing how much sun to plant a Frostproof Gardenia in will depend on how hot the summer is in your location. In heavy heat areas, morning sun and afternoon shade is best.
In areas of the country where it may be questionable that the Gardenia will survive the winter or be able to flower in early summer, there is always the possibility of growing the plant in a container. Frostproof Gardenia will do well grown in a planter. This will allow you to summer it outdoors and over winter the shrub inside your home.