Frostproof / Dwarf Gardenia

Introduction

Everything about this Gardenia is just a little tougher and more resilient than previous varieties. It is far more frost-proof; standing up to late spring chills without dropping a bud. Yet it also takes more sun than most Gardenias, thriving in full sun in the northern edge of its hardiness zone. And it is by far the most deer-resistant cultivar, with exceptionally thick, narrow foliage that turns away nibbling critters.

Use and Management

Frostproof sets huge, fully double blooms of pure white, symmetrical in form an unbelievably fragrant. The flowers begin in late spring and continue for weeks into summer. Pick all you like for indoor arrangements. They are long lasting even after cutting.

This evergreen shrub is very bushy and well branched, making a good perimeter planting, hedge, or foundation plantings. It keeps its rich leaf color and tight appearance through winter, always looking its best. A vigorous and beautiful Gardenia. Hardy in zones 7-9.

Additional Characteristics

• Soil Moisture: Moist, well-drained
• Soil Types/Tolerance: Normal, loamy clay
• Plant Habit: Compact
• Additional Features: Easy care, Bloom first year, Double blooms, Evergreen, Fragrance
• Special Resistance: Pest Resistance, Cold Hardy, Deer Resistance, Disease Resistance

Planting

• Available in 1, 3 or 5 gal containers.
• Suggested plant spacing are:
• Plant 18” to 24” OC
• Bed Preparation:
• Spread 3” of bed mix in ground cover beds
• Till 6” deep, rake beds to drain away from structure
• Plant
• Topdress with 2” of double ground (fine) hardwood mulch.
• Hand water in after planting
• Set sprinkler controller to water beds:
• Once every two days for two weeks in spring and early fall.
• Once a day for two weeks when temperatures reach 98+ degrees.
• Have Owner monitor moisture and report over or under watering immediately.
• After two weeks reassess the watering needs, and set at twice a week thereafter.