How to Grow Evergreen Shrub With White Flowers - Plant Care & Tips

By NorwichGardener Team   /   2024

Evergreen shrub with white flowers is an ornamental plant that can be used to add beauty and interest to your garden. This shrub is easy to care for and is tolerant of most soil types.

How to Grow Evergreen Shrub With White Flowers - Plant Care & Tips

Alternative name

  • Summersweet (Clethra alnifolia)
  • Serviceberry (Amelanchier arborea)
  • Snowberry (Symphoricarpos albus)
  • Huckleberry (Vaccinium spp.)
  • Red huckleberry (Vaccinium parvifolium)

Good to Know

  • The Scientific name of the plant is ‘Gardenia jasminoides’.
  • It is a native of South-eastern Asia.
  • It is an evergreen shrub or small tree that can grow to a height of 4-6 meters.
  • It has glossy, dark green leaves and white, fragrant flowers.
  • The flowers blooming period is from late spring to early summer.
  • Gardenia jasminoides is considered as one of the most popular ornamental plants.
  • It is used in landscaping and gardening.
  • It is also used in the production of essential oils.
  • Gardenia jasminoides is known to be poisonous if ingested in large quantities.
  • It is recommended to grow this plant in USDA hardiness zones 8-1

Related plant:
Best Evergreen Shrubs

Growing Steps

  1. For evergreen shrub with white flowers, first step is to choose the right plant.
  2. Then, find a well-lit spot for planting the shrub.
  3. Prepare the soil by digging a hole that is twice the width and depth of the plant’s root ball.
  4. Next, backfill the hole with soil and gently tamp it down.
  5. Place the shrub in the hole and fill it in with soil, making sure tolevel off the top.
  6. Water the plant deeply and thoroughly.
  7. Spread a layer of mulch around the base of the plant, being sure to keep it away from the stem.
  8. Fertilize the shrub once a year in the spring.
  9. Prune the shrub as needed to maintain its shape.
  10. Enjoy your beautiful evergreen shrub with white flowers!

Related plant:
Shade Loving Evergreens

Considering the Soil

About soil , an evergreen shrub with white flowers needs well-drained, fertile soil. The pH should be slightly acidic to neutral. The shrub does best in full sun but can tolerate some shade. It is drought-tolerant but looks best with regular watering.

About light

Just like other types of plants, evergreen shrubs need sunlight to grow. The amount of sun an evergreen shrub needs depends on the type of plant. Some evergreen shrubs can tolerate shade, while others need full sun. When choosing an evergreen shrub for your garden, make sure to select one that will be able to get the right amount of sun for your location.

The Temperature

The temperature condition is perfect for the growth of an evergreen shrub with white flowers. This shrub prefers a temperature range between 70 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit and can tolerate short periods of cold weather. The shrub will flower best if it is grown in full sun but can also tolerate partial shade.

Humidity Level

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is soil that is kept moist but not soggy. The leaves of the plant will start to turn brown and drop off if the humidity is too low. If the humidity is too high, the plant may develop root rot.

The Fertilizer

About fertilizer, this type of plant does best with a root fertilizer in early spring and again in mid-summer. A granular fertilizer that can be worked into the root zone is ideal. Incorporate the fertilizer into the soil around the root ball at the rate recommended on the fertilizer package.

Plant Pruning

Pruning is an important part of keeping your evergreen shrub looking its best. Regular pruning will encourage new growth and help to keep the plant healthy. When pruning, be sure to remove any dead or dying branches. You can also trim back any overgrown branches to help control the plant's size.

About Propagating

Propagation of the snowball bush is typically done through rooting stem cuttings. To do this, take a 6-8 inch cutting from new growth on the plant and remove the leaves from the bottom half of the cutting. Dip the cutting in rooting hormone and plant in a well-drained potting mix. Keep the cutting moist and in indirect light until new growth appears, at which point you can move it to a sunny spot.

Growth Rate

Usually, the plant growth rate are relatively slow, especially when compared to annual plants. Evergreen shrubs can live for many years and continue to produce new leaves and flowers each season, so their growth rate is not as important as the overall health of the plant.

Basic Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are that the leaves may turn yellow and the plant may not flower. If the leaves turn yellow, it is likely due to a lack of nutrients. To fix this problem, fertilizer can be applied to the soil around the plant. If the plant is not flowering, it may be due to too much shade. To fix this problem, the plant can be moved to an area with more sunlight.

Growing Tips

  • Remember to water your plant regularly, especially during the hot summer months.
  • Fertilize your plant every few months to ensure it stays healthy and vigorous.
  • Prune your plant annually to encourage new growth and keep it looking its best.
  • Place your plant in an area that receives full sun for best results.
  • Protect your plant from strong winds by planting it in a sheltered location.
  • Choose a well-draining soil for your plant to prevent it from becoming waterlogged.
  • When planting, make sure to dig a hole that is twice the size of the plant's root ball.
  • Once your plant is established, mulch around the base to help retain moisture.
  • Keep an eye out for pests and diseases, and treat them promptly if spotted.
  • Enjoy the beautiful flowers your plant produces throughout the year!

Alternative Plants

  • white oak (Quercus alba)
  • white pine (Pinus strobus)
  • white fir (Abies concolor)
  • white spruce (Picea glauca)
  • white cedar (Thuja occidentalis)
  • white willow (Salix alba)
  • white alder (Alnus rhombifolia)
  • white ash (Fraxinus americana)
  • white maple (Acer saccharum)
  • white dogwood (Cornus florida)

Source:
Pieris japonica - North Carolina State University
Illicium 'Orion' (Orion Anise-tree, Star Flower Orion) | North …
Selecting Shrubs for the Landscape | Oklahoma State University

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