Plant of the Week: Gardenia Four Seasons

Plant of the week is the Gardenia. Photo / Supplied

A delightful small growing shrub with a beautiful fragrance. Gardenia is a treasured plant in the garden, sought after for its rich, lush, glossy green foliage which contrasts brilliantly against the cream flowers.

The plants look great en masse in a garden. In a shady area under trees or along the east or south side of a house they can be grown successfully. They look great when planted with other shade loving plants such as clivia, the tractor seat plant (Ligularia reniformis) or heucheras.
They can be used to provide a lush understory to Vireya rhododendrons or as a ground cover to native tree plantings or palms.

They are a very versatile plant but it is essential that they are planted in well draining rich soil. They should be fertilised each spring and autumn with acid fertiliser and a good dose of Epsom salts annually can also be highly beneficial. They require a position sheltered from all but the lightest of frosts.

Gardenia Four Seasons will form a compact rounded bush of approximately 50cm high by 50cm wide. It can be grown in the garden situations as discussed above but and it is also a good plant for a pot. When grown in a pot it can be shifted around to a more prominent location to optimise the enjoyment of its fragrance during the summer months.