Botanical Name: Gardenia augusta 'Mystery' (G. jasminoides)
Common Name: Mystery gardenia Type of Plant: dicot: shrub Character evergreen Habit of Growth: Overall Shape the largest cultivar of Gardenia in Southern California.; grows erect with spreading stems forming a loose, open, rounded canopy unless pruned; foliage and flowers are also larger than other varieties Height 3' - 6' (8') Spread equal Growth Rate moderate Environment: Exposure outdoors thrives in full sun locations – needs summer heat for best growth; prefers partial sun at desert sites Soil requires a rich well-drained loam; avoid wet clay soils Hardiness hardy to 20° F (zones 7-9, 12-16, 18-24); prefers low-elevation humid sites Morphology: Leaves pinnate, opposite or whorled, elliptic, 3"-4" long; dark green and shiny; lateral veins run parallel out to the margins (leaves larger than variety 'Veitchii') Flowers white, double-petaled, very fragrant, fairly large (3"-5" across); mostly single at ends of stems – June through September Fruit if present, a small capsule Propagation: softwood or semi-hardwood cuttings Usage: a medium to large filler or informal hedge, for tropical or subtropical landscape themes; valued for their large-sized fragrant white flowers Landscape Care: Watering requires regular – tolerates heavy irrigation if planted in well-draining soils Fertilizing feed at least 3 times annually for best flower production; use balanced fertilizer and iron chelates to correct chlorosis Pruning periodically head back to develop a fuller shape tends to become leggy with age Pests/Diseases aphids, scale, mealybugs; chlorosis in high pH soils Special Conditions/Other plant high in well-mulched soil Origin: China Family: Rubiaceae Notes: |
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