Gardenia Species

Prominent Gardenia

• The most prominent gardenia species, Gardenia jasminoides, an evergreen shrub that grows about 2 to 6 feet high, has white fragrant flowers that make it a popular ornamental plant. The dark green leaves reach about 2 to 4 inches long and 1 to 2 inches wide. The plant bears either single or double blossoms, which can grow up to 4 inches wide. Blooms typically have a waxy appearance.

Hawaiian Gardenias

• Two gardenias native to Hawaii, although once widely found throughout the islands, have become endangered species, according to the University of Hawaii. The Gardenia brighamii, has shiny green leaves about 1 to 4 inches long and 1/2 inch to 2 inches wide. The 1-inch-long flowers bloom for about 24 hours. The Gardenia manni, a tree that can reach as high as 50 feet, has sticky lance-shaped leaves and flowers that typically bloom for 48 hours, according to the Center for Plant Conservation.

African Gardenias

• The Gardenia thunbergia, native to South Africa, has showy flowers and hard egg-shaped fruits that antelopes and elephants sometimes eat. The tree grows mainly in and around evergreen forests, although occasionally is found in other areas. Other African species include the Gardenia ternifolia, which has small hairs on both sides of its rough-textured leaves. The Gardenia cornuta species has orange fruits similar in size to the Gardenia thunbergia, while the Gardenia volkensii has ribbed fruits.

Other Gardenias

• The Gardenia pfordii, which originated in Southeast Asia, grows up to 6 or 7 feet tall and produces showy golden blossoms that have 6 petals. The blooms have a more restrained fragrance than the more common ornamental Gardenia jasminoides. The Tahitian gardenia, Gardenia taitensis, has coarse-textured leaves and attractive blossoms. The leaves grow about 8 inches long and 4 1/2 inches wide. The plant tolerates both alkaline and salty soil.