Common Gardenia 'Crown Jewel' Gardenia jasminoides 'Crown Jewel' (PBR) (d)
ABOUT
A compact evergreen shrub with deep glossy green, elliptic leaves and very fragrant, broadly funnel-shaped double white flowers from July to September
About this plant
NamesFamily
Rubiaceae
Synonyms
Crown Jewel Gardenia, Cape Jasmine, Hardy Gardenia, Frostproof Gardenia
Common names
Gardenia augusta 'Crown Jewel', Gardenia jasminoides 'Kleim's Hardy', Gardenia grandiflora 'Crown Jewel'.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
2 feet (0.61 meters)
Spread
4 feet (1.22 meters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
7
Native area
Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Value - The Gardenia 'Crown Jewel' has beautiful, large, double white flowers that are prized for their beauty and fragrance, making it an excellent choice for garden aesthetic enhancement.
- Fragrance - It emits a strong, sweet perfume that can be enjoyed in the garden or when cut flowers are brought indoors.
- Compact Growth - This cultivar features a dense, compact growth habit, making it suitable for small gardens or limited spaces.
- Long Flowering Period - The plant has a long bloom time, typically from late spring to early fall, providing extended interest in the landscape.
- Evergreen Foliage - As an evergreen shrub, it provides year-round greenery, creating a constant backdrop for seasonal plants.
- Attracts Pollinators - Gardenias are known to attract bees and butterflies, which are essential for pollination and the health of the garden ecosystem.
- Landscaping Variety - The Gardenia 'Crown Jewel' can be used in various landscaping applications, such as specimen planting, foundation planting, and as part of mixed borders or flower beds.
- Resilience - The Gardenia 'Crown Jewel' is considered to be more cold hardy than some other gardenia varieties, thereby increasing its suitability for gardens in slightly cooler climates.
- Container Friendly - Its compact size and growth habit make it an ideal plant for container growing, allowing for flexibility in placement and gardening for those with limited ground space.
Medical Properties- Anti-inflammatory: Compounds found in Gardenia jasminoides, such as geniposide, have been shown to exhibit anti-inflammatory effects.
- Antioxidant: The plant contains antioxidants which can help in reducing oxidative stress in the body.
- Hepatoprotective: It may offer some protection to the liver from certain toxins.
- Anxiolytic: There is some evidence to suggest that it has anxiety-reducing properties.
- Antibacterial: Extracts from Gardenia jasminoides have been found to have antibacterial activity against certain pathogens.
- Antidepressant: Certain compounds, such as genipin, have shown potential antidepressant effects in preliminary studies.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Fabric Dye: The blossoms of the gardenia can be used to create natural dyes for fabric, imparting a soft yellow or cream color depending on the mordant used.
- Artistic Pigment: Crushed gardenia petals can provide a natural source of pigment for eco-friendly paints and inks.
- Scented Candles: The strong fragrance of gardenia flowers can be extracted and used in the production of scented candles, offering a natural alternative to synthetic fragrances.
- Aromatherapy: The essential oil derived from gardenia flowers is often used in aromatherapy diffuser blends for its soothing and mood-enhancing aroma.
- Bookmarks and Envelopes: Dried gardenia petals can be incorporated into paper products, adding a decorative touch and subtle fragrance to bookmarks and envelopes.
- Wedding Confetti: Freeze-dried or air-dried gardenia petals can be used as a biodegradable confetti option at weddings or celebrations.
- Gourmet Cuisine: Edible gardenia flowers can be crystallized with sugar and used as an elegant decoration on cakes and pastries.
- Craft Projects: Gardenia flowers and leaves can be included in craft projects such as potpourri, wreaths, or pressed flower art.
- Perfumed Lotions and Soap: The scent extracted from the gardenias can be used in creating perfumed lotions and soaps for a luxurious skincare experience.
- Gardenia Water: Steeping gardenia petals in water can create a lightly scented rinse for a fragrant bath experience or used as a linen spray.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiGardenias can be used in Feng Shui to attract peace and purity due to their white flowers. They are believed to promote a calming environment and can be placed in areas of the home where relaxation is desired, such as the bedroom or sitting area. Their strong sweet fragrance is also thought to aid in reducing stress and promoting better sleep.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityGardenia is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Purity: Gardenias are often associated with purity due to their bright white petals that seem untainted and unspoiled.
- Love: With their intoxicating fragrance and beautiful appearance, gardenias are commonly seen as a symbol of love, especially secret love.
- Refinement: The sophisticated look and lovely scent of the gardenia often represent refinement and high class.
- Peace: Gardenias can convey peace, their pure white color and calming scent providing a sense of tranquility and calmness.
- Beauty: The gardenia flower, with its lush, white blooms and dark green leaves, is frequently a symbol of beauty.
WaterThe Gardenia, commonly known as Cape Jasmine, should be watered deeply, allowing the soil to become moderately dry between waterings. Typically, this means watering every 7-10 days, but the frequency can vary depending on climate, humidity, and soil conditions. It's crucial to avoid letting the plant stand in water or allowing the soil to become waterlogged. For an average-sized plant, watering with 1-2 gallons at each watering session should be sufficient, ensuring the moisture reaches the root zone. Adjust the amount of water during the winter months when the plant is not actively growing and requires less moisture.
LightCape Jasmine thrives in bright, indirect light or filtered sunlight. It's best positioned in an area that receives morning sun and afternoon shade to protect it from the harsh midday sun. Ideally, place it in a spot where it can benefit from several hours of gentle morning sunlight while avoiding intense, direct afternoon rays which can scorch the leaves.
TemperatureCape Jasmine prefers a temperature range between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. This plant can tolerate a minimum temperature of about 50 degrees Fahrenheit, but cold drafts and temperatures below this threshold can damage or kill the plant. To encourage bud formation, a slight drop in night-time temperatures to around 60 degrees Fahrenheit is beneficial.
PruningCape Jasmine benefits from pruning to maintain its shape, encourage bushiness, and remove any dead or yellowing leaves and spent flowers. Prune right after its blooming period as it flowers on old wood. Pruning too late can remove buds set for the next blooming cycle. Light pruning can be done annually or as needed to keep the plant tidy.
CleaningAs needed
SoilCrown Jewel Gardenia prefers well-draining, rich, acidic soil with a pH of 5.0 to 6.5. A mixture containing peat moss, pine bark, and compost is ideal to retain moisture and provide necessary nutrients. Regularly check soil pH and amend accordingly.
RepottingCrown Jewel Gardenias should be repotted every 2-3 years or when they outgrow their current pot. Choose a container only one size larger to prevent root rot.
Humidity & MistingCrown Jewel Gardenia thrives in high humidity, ideally between 50-60%. In drier environments, consider using a humidifier or pebble tray to maintain moisture around the plant.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Keep in bright, indirect light and high humidity.
Outdoor
Plant in partial shade, shelter from harsh sun.
Hardiness zone
7-10 USDA.
Life cycleGardenia jasminoides 'Crown Jewel', commonly referred to as Crown Jewel Gardenia, begins its life cycle as a seed which sprouts to form a seedling with basic root, stem, and leaf structures. As it grows, the seedling develops into a vegetative, bushy stage, producing glossy evergreen leaves and establishing a stronger root system. During its maturing phase, the plant begins to flower, typically in late spring to early summer, producing heavily fragrant, white flowers that transition to creamy yellow as they age. After pollination, the flowers give way to fruit capsules containing seeds, completing the reproductive cycle. Throughout the growing season, the Crown Jewel Gardenia experiences periods of growth and dormancy, where active growth slows down, especially in cooler temperatures. The plant can live for many years with proper care, cycling through these stages annually with pruning and maintenance influencing the quantity and quality of blooms and overall plant health.
PropogationPropogation time
Early Spring
The most popular way to propagate the Gardenia, specifically the 'Crown Jewel' variety, is through stem cuttings. This method is typically conducted during the late spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing. One would take a cutting of about 4 to 6 inches (approximately 10-15 cm) from a healthy, non-flowering branch, ensuring it includes several leaves. The lower leaves are removed and the cut end of the stem is often dipped in rooting hormone to accelerate root development. The stem is then inserted into a pot filled with a mix of peat and perlite or a similar well-draining rooting medium. The cutting is kept moist and in a warm, humid environment until roots have developed, which can take several weeks. After rooting, the new plant can be transferred into a larger pot with regular potting soil and cared for as a mature gardenia.
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