Buttons Gardenia

Description

Find your Inner Zen with this Asian Favorite

The Buttons Gardenia, sometimes referred to as Cape Jasmine or Gardenia jasminoides, is a captivating, evergreen shrub famed for its fragrant, creamy-white flowers and glossy green foliage. A native of Asia, it’s a beloved staple in many gardens for its beauty and intoxicating scent.

In addition to its ornamental use, Cape Jasmine has a long history of use in traditional medicine. Its fruit, known as “Zhi Zi,” is often used in traditional Chinese medicine for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

Caring for Jasmine Buttons

Cape Jasmine, with its elegant, aromatic flowers and glossy foliage, is a beautiful addition to any garden or home. Although it can be a bit more demanding in its care, the results are truly rewarding. With the right location, proper soil, adequate watering, and a little attention to its special needs, a Cape Jasmine plant will provide an abundance of breathtaking blooms and a delightful scent that few other plants can match.

Light

Cape Jasmine prefers a location with full sun to partial shade. Too much shade can result in fewer flowers, while too much sun can scorch the leaves. It thrives best in USDA hardiness zones 8-11.

Cape Jasmine is sensitive to being moved or transplanted. Any changes in its location, even indoors, can cause bud drop. It is also sensitive to temperature changes, requiring a consistent temperature between 65°F and 70°F during the day and 60°F to 62°F at night.

Soil

Gardenias prefer well-drained, rich, and slightly acidic soil with a pH between 5.0 and 6.5. Poorly draining and alkaline soils can lead to chlorosis, where leaves turn yellow while veins remain green. If your soil is not naturally acidic, you can modify it with sulfur, organic compost, or a soil acidifier.

Water 

The watering needs of Cape Jasmine vary based on soil type, sunlight, and climate. The general rule of thumb is to keep the soil consistently moist but never waterlogged. In drier climates or seasons, more frequent watering may be necessary.

Fertilization

Fertilizing should be done three times a year – in spring, summer, and early fall. Use a fertilizer designed for acid-loving plants, following the package instructions carefully to avoid over-fertilization.

Pruning

Pruning helps maintain the plant’s shape and encourages more prolific blooming. The best time to prune a Cape Jasmine is just after the flowers fade, usually in late summer or early fall. Prune back to a leaf node, an outward-facing bud, to encourage branching.

Pest and Disease Control

Gardenias can sometimes attract pests like aphids, mealybugs, and scales. Regularly check the undersides of leaves and treat any infestations with an insecticidal soap or horticultural oil. Common diseases include root rot (usually due to overwatering or poor drainage) and sooty mold (often a result of a pest problem).

Propagation

Cape Jasmine is most commonly propagated by cuttings. Choose a stem with no flowers, ideally a new growth that’s started to harden. The cutting should be about 5-6 inches long. Remove leaves from the lower half, dip the cut end in rooting hormone, and plant in a well-draining potting mix.