| White Gardenia | |
| Gardenia thunbergia | |
| a.k.a. Wild Gardenia, Forest Gardenia |
Small bush producing gorgeous white, fragrant flowers, with an appearance unlike the common gardenia. Petals are large and spreading.
Description: Small shrub or tree, usually to 5-15ft. Flowers
are produced through most of the year, but more so in the warmer months.
The white flowers are borne at the ends of several inches long corollas.
Flowers are followed by woody fruit that is extremely hard and can stay
on the bush for years. The fruits are adapted for eating by large mammals,
who spread the seed in its native range.
Hardiness: Hardy to 28F.
Growing Environment: The plant is fairly adaptable
to soils and water conditions.
Propagation: By seeds.
Uses: Grown as an ornamental for its flowers and fragrance. Various parts of the plant also have medicinal properties.
Native Range: Native to South Africa.