Gardenia tubifera, also called golden gardenia, is a species of flowering small tree in the genus Gardenia, native to Asia. It is a small tree, growing to a height of 2–4 m (6–12 ft) high with a spread of 1–2 m (3–6 ft). It prefers tropical conditions and will not tolerate temperatures below freezing.
Gardenias need at least 1 inch of rain (or equivalent watering) each week. Keep the soil consistently damp but not soggy. Don't let the soil dry out and don't over-water your Gardenias or the flower buds will not open and may even drop off. Don't let the plants become completely dry before you water, and water regularly.
Feed your shrubs by applying an acidic, slow-release fertilizer such as an azalea or camellia fertilizer. For the organic gardener, blood meal, fish emulsion or bone meal work well. Fertilize Gardenias every 2-4 weeks during their growing season (March to October) with a dilute fertilizer for acid-loving plants. Do not fertilize from November to February.
It is best to prune your gardenia shrub right after the blooms have faded in the summer. Gardenias will set their flower buds for the next year in the fall, so pruning in the summer will allow you to cut back some of the older wood without risking cutting away newly set buds.
A rare very tropical gardenia with an atypical single golden yellow flower. This one needs temperatures above 50 degrees F.
