James Burghardt
Family
Rubiaceae
Botanical Name
Gardenia jasminoides 'August Beauty'
Plant Common Name
August Beauty Cape Jasmine, Cape Jessamine, Gardenia
General Description
Vigorous and heavy blooming, ‘August Beauty’ is a particularly nice selection of common gardenia. This medium-sized evergreen shrub originates from China, Taiwan and Japan. Its neat, bushy habit and glossy, dark green leaves provide landscape interest all season. From summer to fall it produces especially large, waxy, highly perfumed, ivory flowers. These are doubled and rose-like in appearance, and their sweet fragrance is so pungent it can be detected from afar.
Acidic, moist soils with good drainage are crucial for plant health and successful blooming. Common gardenia grows best in full to partial sun and should be provided with good air circulation to help plants ward off foliar diseases. Whether used as a specimen plant, in containers or mixed shrub borders, this is a beautiful and enjoyable landscape ornamental. In colder, temperate zones gardenias may be container grown and overwintered in sunny indoor locations.
Characteristics
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AHS Heat Zone
12 - 8
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USDA Hardiness Zone
8 - 10
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Sunset Zone
H1, H2, 7, 8, 9, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
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Plant Type
Broadleaf Evergreen
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Sun Exposure
Full Sun, Partial Sun
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Height
4'-6' / 1.2m - 1.8m
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Width
3'-4' / 0.9m - 1.2m
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Bloom Time
Late Spring, Early Summer, Summer, Late Summer, Early Fall, Fall
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Native To
Eastern Asia
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
Showy
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Flower Color
Ivory
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Fruit Color
Orange Red, Brown
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Foliage Color (Spring)
Dark Green
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Foliage Color (Summer)
Dark Green
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Foliage Color (Fall)
Dark Green
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Foliage Color (Winter)
Dark Green
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Bark Color
Chocolate
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Fragrant Flowers
Yes
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Fragrant Fruit
No
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Fragrant Foliage
No
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Bark or Stem Fragrant
No
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Flower Petal Number
Double
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Repeat Bloomer
Yes
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Showy Fruit
No
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Edible Fruit
No
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Showy Foliage
Yes
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Foliage Texture
Medium
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Foliage Sheen
Glossy
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Evergreen
Yes
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Showy Bark
No
Special Characteristics
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Bark Texture
Smooth
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Usage
Container, Cutflower, Feature Plant, Foundation, Houseplant, Mixed Border, Topiary / Bonsai / Espalier
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Sharp or Has Thorns
No
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Invasive
No
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Self-Sowing
No