Gardenia JasminoidesFirst Love

‘Gardenia, Cape Jasmine’

FAMILY: Gardenia

USES: Flower display and tropical fragrance. Does well as a shrub, hedge, foundation plant, container plant, around pools, sheltered patios, courtyards and in moon gardens.

SIZE: Grows 1 – 2m tall with a 1.5m spread at a rate of 30 – 45 cm p/a.

LOCATION: Full sun to partial shade. Does well with some protection from direct sea wind or hot, dry desert wind. Shade any pots from the sun to reduce heat to the soil root zone.

SOIL: Best in an organically enriched fertile soil with a pH 5.6 – 6.5, acidic to mildly acidic. Will show leaf chlorosis if soil is too alkaline or saline.

FERTILISER: Apply a slow release 15:15:15 NPK with trace elements every 3-4 weeks. Apply Fe chelate and a liquid fish emulsion or bone meal & blood once a year.

WATER: Keep soil moist. Moderately drought tolerant for short periods only. Does not accept over irrigation or waterlogging.