Gardenia

About the Gardenia

Named after Dr. Alexander Garden, a Scottish-American naturalist who never actually saw one. Their intoxicating fragrance is most intense at night. They are notoriously difficult to grow - sensitive to temperature, humidity, soil pH, and watering. They were cultivated in China for over 1,000 years before reaching Europe. A single plant can produce hundreds of flowers per season. They are in the same family as coffee. Their flowers yellow with age. They respond to light - buds form in long days but need short days to develop. Over 200 species.