Saturday, May 22, 2010

Gardening – Gardenias

 Gardenia-6

Perhaps the single most beloved flower in the South, gardenias are prized for their warm scent—said to be a mixture of jasmine, vanilla, and nutmeg.  Gardenias grow well throughout Florida, but are not especially salt-tolerant, so don’t attempt them if you’re right on the coast.  Prune them only once per year (right after the blooms fall), and fertilize 2-3 times per year.  As for light, we’ve always had great luck with either full East or West exposure so they get intense sun for only half the day.  Obviously, if you’re going to add them to your landscape, place them near a breezy front porch or a window you love to keep open….  

Gardenia-5Gardenia-3

Gardenia-2

2 comments:

Splenderosa said...

We only have one huge plant & this year we've been presented with the most lushly beautiful flowers steadily. I will be so sad when they are finished. Beautiful pics.
xx's

Anonymous said...

It's too bad I can't grow them here. I love gardenia's.

-Zane of ontario honey

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