Facts About the Gardenia Veitchii

Flowers and Foliage

• Gardenia Veitchii flowers in summer, from May to September. The flowers are white or ivory and they measure 2 to 4 inches in diameter. They appear solitary at the top of the branches. The flowers are delicate and should be treated with caution. They have a pleasant heavy scent, similar to jasmine. The foliage is dark green and they usually measure about 10 inches long and 2 to 3 inches wide.

Culture

• Gardenia Veitchii shrubs are usually 1 to 10 feet tall and grow slowly, about 6 inches per year. They are often grown in pots, but are hardy when acclimatized indoors. The plants enjoy light and should be kept outside in the summer and in a greenhouse in winter. However, they do not tolerate direct sun, especially in the middle of the summer. They do not tolerate temperature differences, which may cause the fall of the flower buds. The best soils for Gardenia Veitchii are sandy and well drained, with acidic or neutral pH.

Watering

• This type of gardenia enjoys a moist but well-drained soil, so avoid watering too much, as the soil may become soggy. About 1 inch of water per week is recommended. Use water at room temperature and add compost, especially in the summer, to improve the texture and draining capacity of the soil.

Pests

• Bugs and fungi can damage or kill gardenias. Thrips, mealybugs, white flies and aphids are some of the insects that may affect the Gardenia Veitchii. Control methods include removing infested plants, keeping weeds to a minimum near the plants and encouraging natural enemies such as parasitic wasps and lady beetles. Fungi cause powdery mildew and leaf spots and they generally affect the leaves of the plant. Symptoms include brown and black spots or the complete yellowing or browning of the leaves. Control methods include thorough sanitation and the use of fungicides according to the label.