Gardenia (Cape Jasmine)
FamilyRubiaceae
ColorWhite
Bloom SeasonSummer-Fall
MeaningPurity, joy
Native ToEast Asia
About the Gardenia (Cape Jasmine)
The most intensely fragrant gardenia species. They are the national flower of Pakistan. Their flowers are used in Chinese tea ceremonies. They produce a yellow dye used in food coloring and fabric dyeing. They can live for 50+ years. They are challenging to grow indoors - they need high humidity, acid soil, and bright indirect light. Their flowers yellow with age. A single plant can fill a room with fragrance. They are related to coffee plants. They are symbols of secret love in Victorian flower language.