Care of the tree Gardenia thunbergia or White Gardenia |
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The genus Gardenia, family Rubiaceae, includes 130 species of shrubs and trees distributed by subtropical regions of Asia, Africa, Madagascar and some islands of the Pacific Ocean. Some species are: Gardenia thunbergia, Gardenia pyriformis, Gardenia jasminoides, Gardenia tubifera, Gardenia candida. Common names: White Gardenia, Forest Gardenia, Wild gardenia. This species is native to South Africa. They are slow-growing trees or shrubs with rigid branches that reach 5 meters (16.4 feet) in height. The leaves are bright green, oval in shape and entire margins wavy. The large flowers are white and highly fragrant, especially at night. They bloom during the summer. They produce hard, oval fruits that can remain on the plant for years. They are used as isolated specimens, next to a wall, to form informal hedges, in bushy groups, next to a pond, in large pots for patios and terraces and as bonsai. Gardenia thunbergia can be grown in full sun or semi-shade exposure. They resist occasional frosts down to -1 ºC (30.2 ºF). The soil should be well drained, light, and contain plenty of organic matter. The pot transplant is done in early spring. Water regularly, without ever flooding, so that the ground is always wet; they resist several days of drought. Fertilize with compost or manure in late winter. Prune lightly after flowering or in late winter. They are plants quite resistant to pests and diseases. They propagate easily by seeds sown in spring or summer and by cuttings in summer. |
Images of the tree Gardenia thunbergia or White Gardenia |
 Gardenia thunbergia  Gardenia thunbergia  Gardenia thunbergia  Gardenia thunbergia  Gardenia thunbergia  Gardenia thunbergia |