Gardenia jasminoides 'Radicans'
This dwarf Gardenia jasminoides selection is used as a low groundcover. It bears small double white flowers with strong fragrance. It blooms in late spring and may flower again in summer. It prefers bright light with afternoon shade in hot climates. It needs acidic, well‑drained soils to avoid chlorosis. It is less cold hardy than larger cultivars and needs protection in winter in marginal zones.
At‑a‑glance
- Group/Class: Dwarf groundcover shrub
- Height × spread: 6 to 24 in × 24 to 48 in (15 to 60 cm × 60 to 120 cm)
- Bloom window: late spring; sporadic in summer
- Color & flower form: white; double; 1 to 2 in across
- Fragrance: 3 strong
- USDA hardiness: zones 7b to 8b (not very cold hardy)
- Breeder / Year / Origin: unknown
- Cut‑flower notes: Typical vase life is 2 to 4 days for individual blooms.
- Pet safety: avoid
How it differs
- Much lower and spreading form than a typical gardenia.
- Smaller flowers and leaves.
- More cold sensitive in many landscapes.
- Size listings vary by source and climate.
Strengths
- Fragrant edging and groundcover.
- Useful in containers and cascading over walls.
- Tolerates heat once established with mulch.
Care in one minute
- Provide morning sun and afternoon shade in hot areas.
- Use acidic, organic, well‑drained soil and maintain 2 inches of mulch.
- Irrigate to keep soil evenly moist during bloom and summer heat.
- Feed lightly with acid‑forming fertilizer in spring.
- Shear lightly after bloom to keep a low mat.
- Protect with burlap or move containers to shelter in freezes.
Watch‑outs
- Leaf burn and bud drop in full afternoon sun without irrigation.
- Yellowing on alkaline soils or with hard water.
- Pests such as whiteflies and scale may occur.
Best uses (tags)
groundcover, edging, containers, rock gardens, walkways
Provenance note
NC State lists ‘Radicans’ as a low, spreading selection; Clemson describes it as a dwarf cultivar that is not very cold hardy.
References
- NC State Extension Plant Toolbox: Gardenia jasminoides ‘Radicans’
- ASPCA. Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants: Gardenia jasminoides
Written by: Your Flowers Guide editorial team
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