Companion Plants for Gardenias

Shrubs

• Choose slow-growing shrubs less than 10 feet tall that don’t create root competition for gardenias, as they “resent root disturbance,” according to Clemson Cooperative Extension. The Florida azalea (Rhododendron austrinum) shares the gardenia’s love of moist, acidic, well-draining soil. Hardy in zones 7 to 10, this deciduous shrub prefers partial shade and grows to 10 feet tall with a similar spread. It blooms with yellow, red, orange and white flowers in early spring. The Green Gem boxwood (Buxus “Green Gem”) grows slowly to 4 feet tall and wide. It is hardy in zones 7 to 9 and has lustrous, dark foliage. This compact, rounded evergreen blooms with yellow flowers in spring and thrives in partially shady sites with moist, well-draining soil.

Ground Covers

• Plant shade-tolerant ground covers around the gardenia shrubs’ base to prevent weed growth and soil erosion from wind or water. Marlberry (Ardisia japonica) thrives in zones 7 to 9 and grows to 12 inches tall. This shade-loving spreader has dark, glossy foliage with serrated margins and produces star-shaped pink flowers followed by red fruits. It prefers shady sites with moist, cool soil. Another evergreen, the Maroon Beauty strawberry begonia (Saxifraga stolonifera “Maroon Beauty”), adds a touch of burgundy-pink to shady sites around gardenias. This 8-inch ground cover grows quickly and has heart-shaped, silvery foliage with maroon undersides. It produces small flowers on 24-inch tall, maroon stems and is hardy in zones 7 to 10.

Perennials

• Choose perennials that bloom at different times during the growing season for constant blossoms. For spring color, the balloon flower (Platycodon grandiflorus) produces blue and white blossoms from spring through summer. This 3-foot-tall perennial thrives in acidic, well-drained soil and partial shade. Blue poppies (Meconopsis betonicifolia) produce bright blue blossoms in summer. They grow from 3 to 4 feet tall and prefer moist, well-draining, slightly acidic soil in shade. Climbing asters (Aster carolinianis) bloom in fall with pink and purple flowers. They grow up to 1 foot tall and grow well in wet to dry soil and partial shade.

Annuals

• Annuals only live for a single season, but they bloom for longer periods than perennials. Shade-tolerant annuals include the wax begonia (Begonia semperflorens), a 12-inch-tall plant that tolerates heavy shade. Wax begonias bloom from late spring through early autumn with white, pink and red blossoms. Impatiens (Impatiens wallerana) also tolerate shady sites. These 2-foot-tall annuals bloom with white, pink, orange, red and purple blossoms from late spring through fall. Both species require regular irrigation.