Carol Cloud Bailey
Family
Rubiaceae
Botanical Name
Gardenia jasminoides 'Belmont'
Plant Common Name
Belmont Gardenia, Cape Jessamine, Gardenia
General Description
Best known for its lush foliage, rounded habit and wonderfully fragrant flowers, common gardenia is a superb cold-tender evergreen shrub native to East Asia. One of the best gardenia cultivars for indoor culture, 'Belmont' (also known as 'Hadley') has exceptionally large leaves and rose-like semi-double ivory-colored flowers that fade to yellow. Flowers appear from late spring to summer and occasionally into fall. The dense glossy dark foliage provides year-round interest.
Acidic, evenly moist soils with good drainage are crucial for plant health and successful blooming. Common gardenia grows best in full to partial sun and needs good air circulation to discourage foliar diseases. Whether used as a specimen or in a mixed shrub border, this is a beautiful and rewarding 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
5'-8' / 1.5m - 2.4m
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Width
3'-6' / 0.9m - 1.8m
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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
Light Yellow, 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
Semi-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, Houseplant, Mixed Border
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Sharp or Has Thorns
No
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Invasive
No
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Self-Sowing
No