Embrace the exquisite fragrance and captivating beauty of the Miami Supreme Gardenia! Photo by Anna Stubbendick, Canterbury Farms
Get ready to indulge your senses in the fragrant world of gardenias! These beauties not only look stunning but also emit an enchanting aroma that will transport you to a floral paradise. If you’re a gardening enthusiast in sunny Florida, rejoice! Gardenias can thrive in our tropical climate and bring a touch of elegance to your garden. In this article, we’ll dive into the gardenia varieties carried by Canterbury Farms Nursery & Garden Center and unveil the secrets to growing these floral wonders. Let’s embark on a fun-filled gardenia adventure!
Varieties That Rock Our Stock:
| Variety | Growth Habit | Mature Size | Bloom Size | Bloom Season | Bloom Characteristics | Hardiness Zones |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Miami Supreme | Upright | 3-4 ft | Large | Spring | Double, Fragrant | 9-11 |
| Vetchii | Compact, dense | 2-3 ft | Medium | Spring | Double, Fragrant | 9-11 |
| Aimee | Rounded | 3-4 ft | Large | Spring | Double, Fragrant | 9-11 |
| Buttons | Compact, low | 1-2 ft | Small | Spring | Single, Fragrant | 9-11 |
| Radicans | Spreading | 1-2 ft | Small | Spring | Single, Fragrant | 9-11 |
| Frostproof | Upright | 4-5 ft | Medium | Spring | Single, Fragrant | 8-11 |
| August Beauty | Upright | 4-6 ft | Large | Spring-Fall | Double, Fragrant | 9-11 |
| Belmont | Upright | 3-4 ft | Medium | Spring | Double, Fragrant | 9-11 |
| Snow Girl | Compact, low | 1-2 ft | Small | Spring | Single, Fragrant | 9-11 |
Frostproof Gardenias are fragrant marvels that endure the chill and delight the senses! Photo by Anna Stubbendick, Canterbury Farms
Groovy Gardenia Varieties:
- Miami Supreme: Stand tall! These beauties reach 3-4 feet high and boast large, double blooms with an intoxicating scent. Talk about making a grand entrance in your garden!
- Vetchii: Don’t be fooled by their compact size! These dense darlings, standing 2-3 feet tall, offer medium-sized, double blooms that emit a delightful fragrance. Perfect for cozy garden corners.
- Aimee: Picture perfect! With their rounded shape and large, double blooms, Aimee gardenias steal the spotlight at 3-4 feet tall. Pluck a few for indoor arrangements and let the compliments pour in!
- Buttons: Cute and compact, these low-growing gardenias (1-2 feet) show off small, single blooms that pack a fragrant punch. Ideal for rock gardens or adding a touch of charm to the front yard.
- Radicans: Let them roam wild! Radicans gardenias spread out gracefully, reaching 1-2 feet in height. Their small, single blooms with a captivating fragrance make them the trailblazers of your garden.
- Frostproof: Frost who? These upright performers reach 4-6 feet high, showcasing large, single blooms that smell divine. Be prepared to have neighbors lining up for a whiff!
- August Beauty: Get ready for a season-long affair! These tall and upright gardenias (4-6 feet) mesmerize with their large, double blooms that grace your garden from spring to fall. A true beauty indeed!
- Belmont: Aim high! Standing tall at 3-4 feet, Belmont gardenias flaunt medium-sized, double blooms that exude elegance. The perfect companions for high tea in your garden oasis.
- Snow Girl: Petite and lovely! These compact, low-growing gardenias (1-2 feet) charm with their small, single blooms and delightful fragrance. They’re like a snowflake, but better, because they don’t melt!
Let’s Have Some Bloomin’ Fun:
- Find a spot with partial shade to protect your gardenias from the scorching afternoon sun. They like a little shade to strut their stuff.
- Prepare the soil by mixing in some organic matter. Think of it as pampering the soil, giving it a spa treatment before your gardenias move in.
- Water your gardenias regularly, especially during dry spells. They love a good drink, but don’t drown them—just keep the soil moist, not waterlogged.
- Treat your gardenias to a feast with a slow-release fertilizer for acid-loving plants. Follow the instructions, because too much of a good thing can be overwhelming.
- Time for a little snip-snip! After the blooming season, give your gardenias a gentle pruning to shape them up and remove any dead or damaged branches. They’ll appreciate the trim!
- Keep an eye out for pesky pests like aphids, whiteflies, and scale insects. Show those critters who’s boss by promptly treating any infestations with organic or chemical solutions.
- Jack Frost is no friend of gardenias. When winter chills arrive, cover your gardenias with a cozy frost cloth or bring potted ones indoors for a winter slumber.
Adding Vertical Elegance to Your Garden:
Oh, and let’s not forget about the majestic beauty of gardenia trees! If you’re looking to make a bold statement in your garden, consider planting a gardenia tree. These enchanting giants can reach heights of 10 to 15 feet, creating a stunning focal point with their lush foliage and abundant blooms.
Gardenia trees offer all the fragrance and elegance of their shrub counterparts but with a vertical twist. Their branches gracefully spread out, showcasing a plethora of exquisite blooms. Imagine strolling through your garden, surrounded by the sweet scent of gardenia blossoms as they dance in the breeze.
When it comes to choosing a gardenia tree, popular varieties like “Veitchii” and “Miami Supreme” make excellent options. Just like their shrub counterparts, these gardenia trees dazzle with their double blooms and intoxicating fragrance. Plant them in well-drained soil, provide them with partial shade, and watch them grow into showstoppers that will leave your neighbors in awe.
Remember, gardenia trees require similar care to gardenia shrubs, including regular watering, feeding, and protection from frost. Prune them lightly after blooming to maintain their shape and encourage new growth.
Let Your Senses Bloom and Your Garden Shine!
Congratulations, gardenia enthusiast! You’re now equipped with the knowledge and enthusiasm to grow these fragrant wonders. Whether you prefer the charm of gardenia shrubs or the grandeur of gardenia trees, these fragrant beauties will add a touch of magic to your garden. So, go ahead and unleash the splendor of gardenias in all their forms, and let their heavenly fragrance and captivating blooms fill your outdoor oasis with joy and wonder. Head over to Canterbury Farms Nursery & Garden Center, where the gardenia party never stops! Happy gardening, my scented friends!
Note: The information in the chart is for general guidance only and may vary based on specific growing conditions. Not all varieties are available at all times, contact us to inquire about current stock.