How to Grow Frostproof Gardenia - Plant Care & Tips

By NorwichGardener Team / 2024

Frostproof gardenia is a beautiful, fragrant plant that is perfect for any garden. This tough plant is resistant to frost and can tolerate shady areas. Gardenias require little maintenance and will provide years of enjoyment.

How to Grow Frostproof Gardenia - Plant Care & Tips

Also called

Winter gardenia
Frost-resistant gardenia
Hardy gardenia
Gardenia jasminoides
Cape jasmine

Common Knowledge

Frostproof gardenia (Gardenia jasminoides 'Frostproof') is a shrub that is native to tropical and subtropical Asia.
It is a member of the coffee family (Rubiaceae).
The plant is named after Alexander Garden (1730-1791), a Scottish-born American naturalist.
Frostproof gardenia is an evergreen shrub that typically grows to 3-6 tall with a spread to 4-6 wide.
It has glossy, dark green leaves (to 4 long) and extremely fragrant, white flowers (to 3 across) that bloom in spring and summer.
Flowering is heaviest in May and June.
Gardenia jasminoides 'Frostproof' is the hardiest gardenia, tolerating temperatures as low as 10F.
It is best grown in moist, humus-rich, well-drained soils in full sun to part shade.
Plants may lose some leaves in winter, but generally hold foliage throughout the year in the deep South.
Common garden pests include scale, whiteflies, nematodes, and mealybugs.

Growing Steps

For frostproof gardenia, first step is to pick a good spot. It should be in full sun for best blooming, but can tolerate some shade. The soil should be rich, well-drained, and slightly acidic. If you have clay soil, it's a good idea to amend it with some organic matter before planting.
Once you've chosen a spot, it's time to plant your frostproof gardenia. When you purchase a plant from a nursery, it's best to choose one that's already in a gallon-sized pot. If you're planting more than one plant, space them about three feet apart.
After planting, water your gardenia deeply. Then, apply a three-inch layer of mulch around the base of the plant. This will help keep the roots cool and moist.
Now it's time to wait for your frostproof gardenia to bloom. It will usually take a couple of months for the first blooms to appear. Once they start blooming, they will continue to bloom all summer long.
To keep your plant healthy, make sure to fertilize it every six weeks or so. Use a fertilizer that's formulated for acid-loving plants.
As the summer comes to an end, start cutting back on the amount of water you give your frostproof gardenia. This will help the plant prepare for winter.
In late fall, stop fertilizing your plant.
Once the first frost hits, you'll need to take some extra steps to protect your frostproof gardenia. First, wrap the plant in burlap or a frost blanket. Then, put a few inches of mulch on top of the ground around the plant.
If you live in an area that gets extremely cold winters, you may need to move your plant indoors for the winter. Put it in a sunny spot near a window and water it sparingly.
In the spring, remove the burlap or frost blanket and resume normal watering. Your plant will start blooming again in a few months.

Soil Condition

About soil condition, the Frostproof Gardenia prefers porous, slightly acidic soils with good drainage and constant moisture, but not waterlogged conditions. It is moderately salt-tolerant. The soil should be rich in organic matter.

Light requirement

So, like the other gardenias, the frostproof gardenia (Gardenia jasminoides 'Frostproof') thrives in full sun to partial shade. It's a good idea to give it some protection from the hot afternoon sun in hot summer climates. It also prefers a rich, acidic soil that's well-drained. If you provide these growing conditions, you'll be rewarded with an abundance of fragrant, white flowers from late spring to early summer.

Ideal Temperature

The temperature condition of the frostproof gardenia is the most important aspect to consider when growing this plant. The plant requires a minimum temperature of 60 degrees Fahrenheit to thrive.anything below this temperature range can cause damage to the plant. it is important to provide a frost-free environment for the plant, especially during the winter months.

Ideal Humidity

Ideal humidity condition for this plant should be between 40% to 60%. If the humidity is too low, the leaves will turn brown and drop off. If the humidity is too high, the leaves will yellow and drop off.

The Fertilizer

Discussing fertilizer, this plant does best with a regular feeding schedule. Apply a balanced fertilizer every two weeks during the growing season, and then monthly during the fall and winter. When applying fertilizer, be sure to wet the soil first, then apply the fertilizer according to the package directions. This plant also benefits from having its roots lightly covered with mulch.

About light

Pruning frostproof gardenias is a simple process that can be done in late winter or early spring. Gardenias are a shrub that can grow to be 6 to 8 feet tall, so pruning them back will help to keep them a manageable size. When pruning, be sure to cut back the stem to a point where there are leaves. Cutting back too far will result in a plant that is less likely to bloom.

Plant Propagation

Propagation is best done by taking stem cuttings in late spring or early summer. Select a healthy, disease-free stem about 6 inches long and make a clean cut just below a leaf node. Remove the bottom leaves, dip the cut end in rooting hormone, and plant in a well-drained potting mix. Keep the cutting moist but not wet, and in a few weeks, you should see new growth. Once the plant is established, it can be transplanted to the garden.

Growth Rate

Usually, the plant growth rate is about one to two feet per year. Some individual plants have been known to grow three feet in a year. The amount of branching and the amount of flowers produced will also increase as the plant matures.

Basic Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are stem and root rot, and powdery mildew. These problems are caused by too much or too little water, and by poor drainage. To avoid these problems, water the gardenia only when the soil is dry, and make sure the plant has good drainage. If powdery mildew appears, remove affected leaves and flowers, and treat the plant with a fungicide.

Growing Tips

Do not forget to water your gardenia frostproof regularly.
Place your gardenia in a location where it will receive partial sun to full sun.
When growing gardenias, make sure to provide them with well-drained soil.
Fertilize your gardenia frostproof regularly using a balanced fertilizer.
To encourage blooming, make sure to deadhead the spent flowers.
Prune your gardenia frostproof regularly to encourage new growth.
If you live in an area with a lot of humidity, make sure to provide extra air circulation around your gardenia.
Gardenias are susceptible to pests and diseases, so make sure to monitor your plant carefully.
If you notice any problems with your plant, address them immediately.
Enjoy the beautiful blooms of your gardenia frostproof!