Gardenia jasminoides 'August Beauty'
This cultivar of Gardenia jasminoides is an evergreen shrub grown for reliable summer fragrance. It stands out for a long bloom season in warm climates. It produces double white flowers that are about 3 inches wide. It performs best with morning sun and afternoon shade. It prefers acidic, moisture‑retentive but well‑drained soil. It suits hedges and foundation plantings in the Southeast and Gulf Coast. It can be grown in containers in cooler regions and moved indoors before frost.
At‑a‑glance
- Group/Class: Evergreen shrub
- Height × spread: 4 to 6 ft × 3 to 4 ft (1.2 to 1.8 m × 0.9 to 1.2 m)
- Bloom window: mid spring to fall
- Color & flower form: white; double; about 3 in across
- Fragrance: 3 strong
- USDA hardiness: zones 8 to 10 (varies by microclimate)
- Breeder / Year / Origin: unknown
- Cut‑flower notes: Typical vase life is 2 to 4 days with preservative and cool indoor conditions.
- Pet safety: avoid
How it differs
- Longer bloom period than a typical gardenia.
- Medium stature compared with tall hedging types.
- Double flowers rather than single.
- Heavier flush in summer heat when watered well.
Strengths
- Long seasonal fragrance in warm summers.
- Compact size for foundations and low hedges.
- Performs in bright sites with afternoon shade.
Care in one minute
- Choose morning sun with afternoon shade, protected from cold winds.
- Plant in acidic soil around pH 5.0 to 6.0 with sharp drainage and organic mulch.
- Water evenly to keep soil moist but never saturated.
- Fertilize lightly in spring and again six weeks later with an acid‑forming shrub fertilizer.
- Remove spent blooms and prune lightly after the main flush.
- In zone 8, cover the root zone before hard freezes.
Watch‑outs
- Buds may drop with drought or sudden temperature swings.
- Leaves may yellow in alkaline soils or with hard water.
- Susceptible to whiteflies and scale in humid summers.
Best uses (tags)
borders, hedges, containers, entryways, cutting
Provenance note
Listed by Clemson Extension among larger upright cultivars with a long bloom season.
References
- Clemson Cooperative Extension HGIC 1065: Gardenia
- NC State Extension Plant Toolbox: Gardenia jasminoides
- ASPCA. Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants: Gardenia jasminoides
Written by: Your Flowers Guide editorial team
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