Gardenias not recommended for the lazy Florida gardener.

Gardenias garner high praise for their exotic beauty, but they also have a dark side (and it’s not their dark glossy leaves). They’re prone to leaf yellowing and sooty mold if you don’t plant in the right conditions and check on them regularly. All six of our Plantopinions experts made note of this, with one even calling gardenias a flat-out “no-go.” See if you’re up for including these fragrant evergreens in your Florida landscape.

Joe Mantkowski, ArtisTree VP Landscape Design:

Love ‘em.  Grew gardenias as a kid and I really like to incorporate at least one in a landscape as long as the client understands how to care for them. They may not be super low-maintenance since they’re susceptible to sooty mold and yellowing leaves, but my clients think their rich fragrance and creamy white flowers are well worth the minimal effort required to keep them healthy and looking their best. ArtisTree most often recommends the Miami Supreme gardenia because it’s a hardier variety. Another cool thing about these plants is that they’re evergreen so you can enjoy their glossy green foliage long after the blooming season.

Clinton Lak, ArtisTree Landscape Designer:

The gardenia is arguably the best smelling plant in the South Florida landscape. Not only is it fragrant but it’s also prized for brilliant layered white flowers that contrast nicely against glossy, dark green foliage. The bloom period typically peaks in April in our area. They’re great secondary specimens that work well when planted near an entry or lanai area. Be sure to use the Miami Supreme variety that’s grown on a grafted root stock since it’s more resilient to the nematodes (microscopic worms that cause issues with the root systems) found in our soil. To maximize flowering and overall health, plant in a sunny location that has good drainage. Be aware that their sweet-smelling flowers attract aphids and other landscape pests. You’ll need to treat with horticultural oil or an insecticide from time to time. But I think the minimal maintenance is well offset by the incredibly fragrant blooms.

Chris Culp, ArtisTree Landscape Designer:

The gardenia is a great plant for entrance ways where you can enjoy the fragrance when walking inside. It does attract insects but at least you can see them easily (look for sooty mold on the leaves). Also, if your gardenia gets too much water, the lower leaves will turn bright yellow. You just have to remain vigilant. Gardenias can be grown either as a shrub or standard. I’ll use either style depending on client preference and the landscape I’m designing.

Brian Clouser, ArtisTree Landscape Designer:

I like gardenias. I personally prefer the short, grafted shrub version over the standard tree form. Gardenias need some extra attention to look their best. Consistent water and good soil are the main issues for plant growth, and accidental over-pruning can destroy the buds/blooms before going into spring. Plan on fertilizing two to three times a year and plant in area with good circulation to help with pest prevention.

Elisabeth Owen, ArtisTree Landscape Designer:

Gardenias are maintenance nightmares and require a lot of effort to get blooms for just a short period of time (relatively speaking). They’re susceptible to aphids, scales and whiteflies that cause sooty mold. This is a common problem, so I don’t recommend them for homeowners who are snowbirds and plan to leave them unattended in our warm summer months. They’re also very water sensitive. Yellow leaves indicate a water imbalance. Nutritional deficiencies are common due to preferring a lower soil pH, and we have 7.5-+ here in Florida (exception may be inland). Gardenias are best suited for full sun in pots/containers where the pH and moisture level are well controlled. They’re good, too for colder micro climates in our area and for homeowners who are gardeners. Bottom line: Gardenias are an overall high-risk choice and not warranty friendly. These are a no-go for me.

Conan Michel, ArtisTree Landscape Operations Manager:

Where do I start? There are more than 200 species of gardenias (Gardenia Jasminoide), but I’m particularly fond of the Miami Supreme because it’s hardier. I love gardenias for their sweet fragrance which you can smell long before you even walk up to them. Their other signature traits are perfect white blossoms and dark green foliage that add instant elegance anywhere you place them. They can be grown as a bush form or trained to grow as a tree.  Either way, watch for sooty mold. I think everyone should have at least one gardenia in their landscape.

ArtisTree “Plantopinions” is a roundtable debate between ArtisTree experts on the virtues of various plant specimens. Sometimes there’s consensus and sometimes not. In the end, you are the judge.

Contact ArtisTree Landscape 941.488.8897

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ArtisTree also provides complete landscape maintenance services for HOA communities throughout Southwest Florida. Contact Michael Casper at 941.488.8897, ext. 321, for your custom proposal.  

Category News, Shrubs