A Summary of the Gardenia Flower

Description

• The majority of gardenia flowers commonly are bright white, fading to a creamy tan as the flower ages. There are varieties that have flowers with a tint of yellow or light pink. All gardenia flowers have waxy looking petals which accounts for the flower's longevity on the plant. Depending on the variety, a gardenia flower can be single or double petaled. Generally the gardenia flowers on a plant are 2 to 3 inches in diameter, but can grow as large as 4 to 5 inches wide.

Varieties

• There are more than 250 species and varieties of gardenia plants to select from, ranging from dwarf to full size, and different flower types. For single-petal gardenia plants, Gardenia Jasminoides "White Gem" and "Kleims Hardy" gardenia varieties have dainty single-petal flowers. Multiple layers of waxy petaled flowers will appear on cultivars such as "First Love," "Mystery," "Frostproof," "Everblooming," "August Beauty" and "Chuck Hayes."

Care

• Flower bud development and flowering on a gardenia plant is dependent on proper care and growing conditions. Gardenia plants originally are tropical plants and need to have a similar environment, whether indoors or outdoors, to thrive. Temperatures should be in the mid-70 degree F range during the day and not fall below 60 degrees overnight when the plant is flowering. Gardenias prefer sun in the morning, but shade in the afternoon with a high humidity level and moist soil.

Problems

• Gardenia flower bud drop is a common problem that will diminish or eliminate any flowers on your gardenia plant. There are many reasons why buds on your gardenia drop off the plant. Water is the primary cause, either overwatering, underwatering or a fluctuating watering pattern. Gardenias require a consistent and regular watering pattern to maintain a moist soil. Environmental conditions can also affect flower buds. Too much heat, low humidity, colder nights and fluctuating temperatures can cause flower bud drop on gardenia plants.