Gardenia
Beautifully scented subtropical plants native to regions of Africa, Southern Asia, and Australasia.
The large creamy-white flowers, and dark green, glossy leaves make this plant highly desirable.
With a little bit of extra care you can enjoy your Gardenia for many years.
In the UK, grown as a houseplant Gardenia need 6 to 8 hours of bright light to full sun per day.
Day time temperatures between 18-22c, and slightly cooler nights around 15c are ideal to make the buds and flowers form.
Gardenia much prefer to be watered with rain water. Keep moist, but not constantly wet. Drying out will probably result in bud drop.
Gardenia like humidity, so regular misting, or standing on a tray of moist gravel or LECA pebbles will help increase the humidity around the plant.
Fertilise every 2 to 4 weeks during the growing season, March to November, with a half strength liquid feed for acid loving plants.
Remove faded flowers to encourage continuous blooming.
Prune if necessary during the dormant period.
Repot using good quality, peat-free compost mixed with perlite.
