Gardenia
Gardenia jasminoides
Family: Rubiaceae · Also called Cape Jasmine, Zhizi, Kuchinashi, Gardenia florida var. fortuneana, Gardenia augusta, Gardenia florida f. simpliciflora
Heady & Exotic · Summer bloomer
The gardenia is the diva of the flower world, demanding in cultivation but rewarding with one of the most intoxicating fragrances known. Its waxy, porcelain-white blooms are perfect spirals that brown at the slightest touch, a metaphor for beauty's fragility. The scent is dense, creamy, and almost narcotic in its sweetness.
purity, secret love, joy, sweetness
In the Victorian language of flowers, gardenia means “Secret, untold love”. Billie Holiday famously wore gardenias in her hair during performances. In the southern United States, gardenias are deeply tied to prom and wedding corsage culture. In China, gardenia (zhizi) has been used in traditional medicine for over 2,000 years. The fruit produces a yellow dye used in food and textiles.
Did You Know?
Gardenias are notoriously difficult to grow, they demand acidic soil, high humidity, specific temperatures, and will drop their buds at the slightest stress. Yet the scent of a single bloom can perfume an entire room for days.
Subtropical forests and woodlands of China, Japan, and Taiwan
Gardenia is native to East Asia. It naturally grows in subtropical forests and woodlands of china, japan, and taiwan.
Scent Profile
“An intensely creamy, sweet fragrance with tropical coconut and mushroom undertones, voluptuous and intoxicating, one of the strongest natural flower scents.”
Quick Reference
- Scientific NameGardenia jasminoides
- FamilyRubiaceae
- Native ToEast Asia
- Bloom SeasonSummer
- LifespanPerennial
Cultural Significance
Billie Holiday famously wore gardenias in her hair during performances. In the southern United States, gardenias are deeply tied to prom and wedding corsage culture. In China, gardenia (zhizi) has been used in traditional medicine for over 2,000 years. The fruit produces a yellow dye used in food and textiles.