126 Species in Genus Gardenia

The Allure of Gardenias

As a lover of all things botanical, I, Ferb Vu, am particularly drawn to the captivating beauty and intoxicating fragrance of the Gardenia. This genus of flowering plants, belonging to the coffee family, Rubiaceae, boasts a diverse array of species, each with its unique charm. Native to the tropical and subtropical regions of Africa, Asia, Australia, and the Pacific Islands, Gardenias have captivated plant enthusiasts and perfumers alike for centuries.  

A Diverse Genus

The Gardenia genus encompasses over 120 recognized species, showcasing a remarkable variety in size, shape, and floral characteristics.

1. Gardenia actinocarpa Puttock
2. Gardenia anapetes A.C.Sm.
3. Gardenia angkorensis Pit.
4. Gardenia annamensis Pit.
5. Gardenia aqualla Stapf & Hutch.
6. Gardenia archboldiana Merr. & L.M.Perry
7. Gardenia aubryi Vieill.
8. Gardenia barnesii Merr.
9. Gardenia beamanii Y.W.Low
10. Gardenia boninensis (Nakai) Tuyama ex T.Yamaz.
11. Gardenia brachythamnus (K.Schum.) Launert
12. Gardenia brevicalyx Rakoton. & A.P.Davis
13. Gardenia brighamii H.Mann
14. Gardenia buffalina (Lour.) Poir.
15. Gardenia cambodiana Pit.
16. Gardenia candida A.C.Sm.
17. Gardenia carinata Wall. ex Roxb.
18. Gardenia carstensensis Wernham
19. Gardenia chanii Y.W.Low
20. Gardenia chevalieri Pit.
21. Gardenia clemensiae Merr. & L.M.Perry
22. Gardenia collinsiae Craib
23. Gardenia cornuta Hemsl.
24. Gardenia coronaria Banks
25. Gardenia costulata Ridl.
26. Gardenia crameri Tirveng.
27. Gardenia cuneata Kurz
28. Gardenia dacryoides A.Cunn. ex Puttock
29. Gardenia elata Ridl.
30. Gardenia epiphytica Jongkind
31. Gardenia erubescens Stapf & Hutch.
32. Gardenia esculenta Stokes
33. Gardenia ewartii Puttock
34. Gardenia faucicola Puttock
35. Gardenia fiorii Chiov.
36. Gardenia flava (Lour.) Poir.
37. Gardenia fosbergii Tirveng.
38. Gardenia fucata R.Br. ex Benth.
39. Gardenia fusca E.T.Geddes
40. Gardenia gardneri Puttock
41. Gardenia gjellerupii Valeton
42. Gardenia gordonii Baker
43. Gardenia grievei Horne ex Baker
44. Gardenia griffithii Hook.f.
45. Gardenia gummifera L.f.
46. Gardenia hageniana Gilli
47. Gardenia hainanensis Merr.
48. Gardenia hansemannii K.Schum.
49. Gardenia hillii Horne ex Baker
50. Gardenia hutchinsoniana Turrill
51. Gardenia imperialis K.Schum.
52. Gardenia invaginata Merr. & L.M.Perry
53. Gardenia ixorifolia R.Br. ex Hook.f.
54. Gardenia jabiluka Puttock
55. Gardenia jasminoides J.Ellis
56. Gardenia kabaenensis Y.W.Low
57. Gardenia kakaduensis Puttock
58. Gardenia kamialiensis Takeuchi
59. Gardenia lacciflua K.Krause
60. Gardenia lamingtonii F.M.Bailey
61. Gardenia lanutoo Reinecke
62. Gardenia latifolia Aiton
63. Gardenia leopoldiana De Wild. & T.Durand
64. Gardenia longistipula Y.W.Low
65. Gardenia magnifica E.T.Geddes
66. Gardenia mannii H.St.John & Kuykendall
67. Gardenia manongarivensis Rakoton. & A.P.Davis
68. Gardenia megasperma F.Muell.
69. Gardenia moszkowskii Valeton
70. Gardenia mutabilis Reinw. ex Blume
71. Gardenia nitida Hook.
72. Gardenia obtusifolia Roxb. ex Kurz
73. Gardenia ornata K.M.Wong
74. Gardenia oudiepe Vieill.
75. Gardenia ovularis F.M.Bailey
76. Gardenia pallens Merr. & L.M.Perry
77. Gardenia panduriformis Pierre ex Pit.
78. Gardenia papuana F.M.Bailey
79. Gardenia philastrei Pierre ex Pit.
80. Gardenia posoquerioides S.Moore
81. Gardenia propinqua Lindl.
82. Gardenia psidioides Puttock
83. Gardenia pterocalyx Valeton
84. Gardenia pyriformis A.Cunn. ex Benth.
85. Gardenia racemulosa Korth.
86. Gardenia reflexisepala N.H.Xia & X.E.Ye
87. Gardenia reinwardtiana Blume
88. Gardenia remyi H.Mann
89. Gardenia resinifera Roth
90. Gardenia resiniflua Hiern
91. Gardenia resinosa F.Muell.
92. Gardenia rupicola Puttock
93. Gardenia rutenbergiana (Baill. ex Vatke) J.-F.Leroy
94. Gardenia sambiranensis Rakoton. & A.P.Davis
95. Gardenia saxatilis E.T.Geddes
96. Gardenia scabrella Puttock
97. Gardenia schlechteri Bonati & Petitm.
98. Gardenia schwarzii Puttock
99. Gardenia sericea Puttock
100. Gardenia similis (Craib) Craib
101. Gardenia siphonocalyx Valeton
102. Gardenia sokotensis Hutch.
103. Gardenia sootepensis Hutch.
104. Gardenia stenophylla Merr.
105. Gardenia storckii Oliv.
106. Gardenia subacaulis Stapf & Hutch.
107. Gardenia subcarinata (Corner) Y.W.Low
108. Gardenia taitensis DC.
109. Gardenia tannaensis Guillaumin
110. Gardenia ternifolia Schumach. & Thonn.
111. Gardenia tessellaris Puttock
112. Gardenia thailandica Tirveng.
113. Gardenia thunbergia Thunb.
114. Gardenia tinneae Kotschy & Heuglin
115. Gardenia transvenulosa Verdc.
116. Gardenia trochainii Sillans
117. Gardenia tropidocarpa Wernham
118. Gardenia truncata Craib
119. Gardenia tubifera Wall.
120. Gardenia urvillei Montrouz.
121. Gardenia vernicosa Merr. & L.M.Perry
122. Gardenia vilhelmii Domin
123. Gardenia vitiensis Seem.
124. Gardenia vogelii Hook.f.
125. Gardenia volkensii K.Schum.
126. Gardenia vulcanica K.M.Wong

Why are gardenia leaves yellow?

Gardenia leaves turning yellow has been the bane of my gardening existence! I’ve struggled with my gardenias in the past, watching those beautiful deep green leaves turn a sickly pale color. Sometimes it felt like overnight! It could be something simple like needing fertilizer, especially if it’s affecting older leaves. Other times it might be the soil pH being too high. One year, I’m convinced my plant got “cold feet” after an unexpected spring frost and those leaves just never recovered. Gardenias can be finicky, but they’re so worth it for those fragrant blooms.

Is gardenia toxic to cats?

Sadly, yes, gardenias are toxic to cats. I love my little furball, so I always have to be mindful of the plants I bring into our home. One time, I had a lovely bouquet of gardenias, and I had to keep them well out of reach because my curious kitty was determined to nibble on those lush blooms. I learned my lesson and now I make sure he never has access to them. It’s just not worth the risk of him getting sick – those sweet furry faces depend on us to keep them safe!

Is gardenia toxic to dogs?

Unfortunately, yes, those beautiful gardenias can cause real trouble for our canine companions. I always worry about my friend’s dog when he visits, as he’s a bit of a plant explorer. Those lush green leaves and pretty flowers seem irresistible to him, and gardenias can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and general discomfort. I keep a close eye and make sure he leaves my gardenias alone, and it would be best to avoid planting them in places dogs can easily access.

What color is gardenia?

Gardenias are mostly known for their classic creamy, white blooms. It’s a beautiful, almost pure white with just a hint of warmth.

However, there are some rarer varieties that boast a delicate yellow hue, especially as they age. These yellow gardenia flowers are truly special.

When to trim a gardenia?

I find the best time to trim my gardenia is right after it finishes blooming. That usually ends up being sometime in late spring or early summer for me. Trimming right then means you won’t lose any of the next season’s gorgeous blooms, and it helps keep things nice and tidy. If everything looks bushy and healthy, I’ll usually just do a light shaping to get the growth under control. However, if I want a more compact shape or spots look damaged, I’m not afraid to cut back more aggressively – gardenias handle a good pruning!

Do deer eat gardenia?

Generally, deer seem to leave my gardenias alone. They’re not the first thing they go for, especially when there are tastier treats like young vegetables or tender flowers around. Those strong-scented leaves aren’t exactly appealing to them. However, I’ve heard stories of deer nibbling on gardenias during tough times when food gets scarce. So, while I don’t stress about it too much, I also don’t consider my gardenias completely deer-proof!

Does gardenia like coffee grounds?

Absolutely! Gardenias adore coffee grounds. They’re acid-loving plants, and coffee grounds help gently lower the soil’s pH to create ideal conditions. I try to sprinkle used coffee grounds around the base of my gardenias every few weeks, especially during the growing season. They also add some fantastic nutrients to the soil, so the plants get a good boost. It’s one of my favorite organic fertilizer tricks, and the blooms always seem more abundant afterward!

How to prune gardenia bushes?

Pruning gardenias always feels a little daunting at first, but it’s incredibly satisfying! I always wait until just after the flowers fade. First, I take a step back and look at the shape. Do I want it rounder, taller, more open? Once I have a plan, I snip off any dead or damaged branches. Next, it’s all about thinning out crowded areas to let in more light and air. Finally, I trim the remaining branches into whatever shape I’m envisioning, always cutting just above a leaf node at a slight angle. I find gardenias super forgiving about pruning, so I’m not afraid to be a bit bold!

Does gardenia attract bees?

Yes, gardenias definitely attract bees! That sweet, heady scent is like a beacon calling them in for a visit. I love watching different kinds of bees buzzing around the blooms when my gardenias are in full swing. It’s not unusual to see big bumblebees, smaller honey bees, and various other little pollinators all enjoying the nectar. It’s a lovely sight and makes me feel good knowing I’m providing a food source for these important little creatures.

Do gardenia make seed pods?

Yes, gardenias can produce seed pods, but it’s not super common to see them. Usually, after the bloom fades, the base of the flower swells to form a small, green pod. If left untouched, these pods will ripen and often change color to a bright orange or red. I’ve only found a few pods on my gardenia over the years, but I always think they’re fascinating to look at! Inside these pods, you can find gardenia seeds, though it’s a bit of a process to get them ready for planting.

How to revive a dying gardenia?

Oh, a dying gardenia is such a heartbreaking sight! I’ve been there, and the first step is figuring out what’s wrong. Sometimes it’s as simple as needing some fertilizer, especially if the leaves are yellowing. Other times, the culprit might be overwatering or underwatering. A quick feel of the soil will tell you which! Pests or diseases could also be at play. Once I have an idea, I get to work. That could mean a good soak, a dose of plant food, repotting and fresh soil, or some gentle pruning. Gardenias can be dramatic, but they’re sometimes surprisingly resilient. It brings me so much joy to nurse one back to health!

What is eating my gardenia leaves?

Ugh, there’s nothing more frustrating than finding holes and ragged edges on those gorgeous gardenia leaves! It’s like a mystery I’m determined to solve. Usually, the culprit is some kind of insect. I check carefully under the leaves and around the buds for caterpillars, they love to munch on gardenia. Sometimes aphids or mealybugs might be clinging on there too, sucking the sap. If it’s night, I grab a flashlight and search for snails or slugs – those slimy culprits often feed in the dark. Identifying the pest is the first step to protecting my precious gardenia!

Does gardenia grow in shade?

Gardenias can survive in shade, but they might not thrive. They’ll likely grow tall and lanky, with fewer blooms than normal. I’ve found they’re happiest in a spot with morning sun and some afternoon shade. That balance seems to give them plenty of light for those luscious flowers while protecting them from the hottest part of the day. If I can, I try to plant them in dappled shade beneath a taller tree – it’s the perfect compromise.

What does an overwatered gardenia look like?

Overwatering is a gardenia’s worst enemy! When they get too soggy, the leaves start to tell the story. They’ll often turn yellow, sometimes with brown edges. The plant might look wilted and droopy, even though the soil is wet. I might even see some leaves dropping, which is heartbreaking. In extreme cases, the roots have likely begun to rot, and that’s when things get seriously bad for the plant as it can’t take up vital nutrients anymore.

What does gardenia symbolize?

Gardenias symbolize so many beautiful things! They’re commonly associated with purity, love, and refinement. That’s why they’re such a popular choice for weddings and bouquets! For me, they also represent joy – their heady scent and gorgeous blooms always lift my spirits. Additionally, some say gardenias symbolize secret love, or a love that cannot be spoken. This adds a touch of mystery and intrigue to these lovely flowers.