Gardenia florida is a member of the madder family (Rubiaceae), which contains about 600 species of plants. The madder family is distributed throughout the tropical and subtropical regions of the world. gardenia florida is native to the southeastern United States, from North Carolina south to Florida and west to Louisiana. It is a small evergreen shrub or tree that typically grows to 10-15 feet tall. The bark is smooth and gray, and the leaves are dark green and have a leathery texture. The flowers are white, and they have a strong, sweet fragrance.
Related plant:
Hardy Gardenia
Related plant:
Frost Proof Gardenia
About soil condition, gardenias prefer a rich, acidic soil with a pH of 4.5 to 6.5. The ideal soil is loose and well-drained but still moist. If your soil is heavy or clay-like, add peat moss or other organic matter to improve drainage.
Not too different with other Gardenias, Gardenia Florida requires full sun to partial sun. If you live in an area with lots of sun, then you can keep your Gardenia Florida in partial sun. However, if you live in an area with little sun, then you will need to keep your Gardenia Florida in full sun.
The temperature condition that is most favorable for gardenia florida is a warm temperature. This plant grows best in temperatures between 60 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit. If the temperature gets too hot or too cold, the gardenia florida will not thrive.
Ideal humidity condition for this plant is 50%. If the air is too dry, the gardenia will suffer and the leaves will turn brown and drop off. If the air is too wet, the gardenia may develop fungal diseases.
Regarding fertilizer, this kind of plant prefers acidic soil, so a fertilizer with a low pH is ideal. For soil that is too alkaline, adding sulfur can help to lower the pH. As far as the roots go, gardenias have shallow roots that benefit from a layer of mulch to help retain moisture. Watering regularly is also important, as these plants are susceptible to root rot.
Pruning your Gardenia Florida is essential to keeping the plant looking its best. Pruning also helps to encourage new growth and keep the plant healthy. When pruning, be sure to remove any dead or damaged branches, as well as any branches that are rubbing against each other. You can prune your Gardenia Florida in the spring or fall.
Propagation is usually done by taking stem cuttings from the desired plant. The cuttings should be taken from new growth that is about 6-8 inches long. Cut just below a node, which is where the leaves attach to the stem. Strip off the lower leaves, leaving two or three at the top of the cutting. Dip the cut end of the stem in rooting hormone and plant in a pot filled with moistened potting mix. Keep the potting mix moist and in a few weeks, you should see new growth.
Usually, the plant growth rate is about six inches a year. The plant reaches a height of six to eight feet and a width of four to six feet. When young, gardenias are dense and compact. They become more open as they mature.
Common problems for this kind of plant are that the leaves will turn yellow and the flowers will brown. If the problem is not corrected, the plant will eventually die. The best way to avoid these problems is to keep the plant well watered and fertilized.
Source:
Gardenias - Florida-Friendly Landscaping Program - University
Gardenia florida? (Jasmine) | HOLLIS for
Gardenia florida? (Jasmine) | HOLLIS for - id.lib.harvard.edu
