The beauty of gardenias inspired the Cuban Isolina Carrillo in 1945 to compose the bolero Two gardenias, which was popularized by singers such as Omara Portuondo, Ibrahim Ferrer and Antonio Machín.

Two gardenias for you
With them I mean
I love you, I adore you, my life
What will be your heart and mine

This is the first verse of a wonderful and eternal song, and you don’t have to wait for them to be given to you: you can grow the flowers in your garden, balcony or terrace, or even in your living room.

The gardenia (Gardenia jasminoides) belongs to the family of Rubiaceae and is native to the tropical forests of eastern Asia. With good care, gardenias usually produce for months lovely white flowers, wonderfully fragrant, reminiscent of roses and jasmine. These flowers will naturally fill your home with a delicious aroma every day.

What are gardenias like?

The gardenia, known for its elegant bushy habit and fragrant flowering, is a perennial plant that can reach up to 60 centimeters high when grown in pots.

Native to tropical and subtropical regions, the gardenia adapts both inside and outside, but their specific care needs may require special attention to thrive.

In cold areas, the gardenia is mainly grown as a houseplant, while in more temperate regions can be kept outdoors during the summer months, enjoying exuberant flowering.

In subtropical areas, it is common to find it as hedge plant, where its dense flowering and dark foliage provide a unique beauty to the landscape.

The attractive foliage of the gardenia

The leaves of the gardenia are shiny, deep dark green, and have an oval shape that reaches between 6 and 7 centimeters in length.

Arranged oppositely on the branches, these leaves remain on the plant throughout the year, providing a touch of constant greenery. Their luster and waxy texture make them visually attractive, complementing the majesty of its white flowers.

Some white and fragrant flowers

The gardenia flowers are one of its most prominent features. With a bowl shape and a creamy white color, these double flowers They can reach between 10 and 12 centimeters in diameter.

But what really sets them apart is their fragrance. During the flowering period, which runs from July to October, the gardenia emits a sweet and intoxicating aroma, which makes it an excellent option for interiors and gardens where a unique sensory experience is sought.

Be careful with your fruits

Although the gardenia is a appreciated ornamental plant, it is important to keep in mind that its fruits are yellow berries that They contain toxic substances. Although the entire plant has some toxicity, the fruits are the ones that concentrate most of the toxins.

For this reason, it is advisable to place it out of the reach of small children or pets, to avoid any risk of poisoning. If ingested, gastrointestinal discomfort, such as diarrhea, may occur. In some places, such as China, gardenia is used for medicinal purposes, taking advantage of its laxative action.

Where to place the gardenia

Gardenias need a bright place to grow, but They should avoid direct and prolonged exposure to the sun, since this can damage its delicate foliage. If grown near a south-facing window, it is advisable to provide some shade to avoid excess direct sunlight.

The ideal temperature for gardenia varies depending on the season. In summer, it develops best in a range of 18 to 25 degrees Celsius, while in winter, temperatures between 10 and 15 degrees Celsius are the most appropriate.

If the temperature drops below 18 degrees Celsius, the plant should be in a bright place to avoid damage. In regions with colder winters, gardenias may adapt well to greenhouses.

Suitable substrate for gardenia

The gardenia belongs to a group of plants known as acidophilous plants, such as rhododenthron or camellia, and requires a slightly acidic substratewith a pH of around 5, and low in lime. If you are unsure about the soil conditions, you can easily check it with test strips, available at specialty stores.

An ideal substrate can be rhododendrons or azaleas, since both meet the acidity and texture requirements.

How to water it: maintain humidity without waterlogging

For watering the gardenia, it is crucial keep the root ball evenly moist, but preventing it from getting waterlogged. The general rule of thumb is to water when the soil surface is slightly dry to the touch.

Use low-lime, room-temperature water for watering, as hard water can negatively affect the plant. In places where the tap water is too chalky, you can mix it with rainwater to soften it. You can also pass it through a filter jug.

The gardenia too Enjoy an environment with high humidity. During flowering, you can lightly mist the leaves with a water spray, but avoid letting water come into direct contact with the flowers, as this can cause unsightly spots.

Fertilization and fertilizer

During the growing season, from March to Augustthe gardenia must be fertilized every 1 or 2 weeks with an acidic, low-lime liquid fertilizer.

Organic fertilizers designed for azaleas or rhododendrons are suitable, as they provide the necessary nutrients without affecting the acid balance of the substrate. He ammonium sulfate It can also be applied in low doses to prevent yellowing of the leaves and premature leaf fall.

Transplant and pruning

iStock Photo.Marushka Volkova

It is advisable to transplant the gardenia every 1 or 2 years, preferably in spring, to a suitable substrate that favors its growth.

Although pruning is not strictly necessary, if the plant becomes less vigorous or fails to flower, it may be helpful. cut it drastically in early spring to stimulate new growth.

Gardenia care and reproduction

Caring for a gardenia can be challenging, but the results are worth it. If the plant is properly cared for, it will reward you with beautiful, fragrant flowers.

Especially during shoot formation, it is important avoid moving the plant or allowing the substrate to dry out, as this can cause the flowers to drop prematurely. Also, temperature fluctuations should be minimized to avoid stress on the plant.

Gardenia reproduction is carried out through cuttings, They should be cut in spring before bud formation, or in autumn. The cuttings should be about 7 centimeters long and dipped in rooting powder before placing them in a substrate of moist peat and sand.

Covering the pot with a plastic bag will help maintain humidity. Young plants grow better in a bright place, and once established, they should be pruned to encourage branching.

Common pests and diseases

The gardenia is susceptible to certain problems if it does not receive proper care. Lack of light and excessive temperatures can cause leaves and buds to fall. A yellowing on the leaves usually indicates that the soil is too cold or too wet.

Additionally, gardenias can be attacked by pests such as mealybugs and mites. Mealybugs are recognized by their flat, oval shields, which usually appear on the underside of leaves, while mites leave silvery spots that dry and fall from the leaves. If these pests are detected, it is essential to treat them quickly by ecological means to avoid further damage.

If you were interested in this article and would like to receive more about well-being, join the Bodymente WhatsApp channel.