Name: The Plant Company
Address: 284 Meeanee Road, Meeanee, Napier, 4112, New Zealand
Telephone: 0800 843 752
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best gardenia

Looking for the best gardenia to transform your garden or brighten up your patio? Gardenias are known for their intoxicating fragrance, glossy evergreen foliage, and creamy white blooms, making them a favourite in New Zealand gardens. Choosing the best gardenia depends on your climate, garden space, and personal preferences. Here, we explore top varieties and how each can suit different garden styles, helping you find the perfect fit for your next planting project.

Gardenia augusta 'Lace Lady' shrub with green foliage and masses of white flowers.

Gardenia 'Lace Lady'

Gardenia 'Lace Lady' is a compact, evergreen shrub prized for its delicately ruffled, highly fragrant white flowers and glossy dark green foliage. Blooming from late spring through summer, it brings elegance and perfume to gardens. This variety thrives in full sun to part shade with well-drained, slightly acidic soil.

Buy Gardenia 'Lace Lady'

From $18.95

Suited to regions: Subtropical, Temperate

Plant type: Shrubs

Height: 1.00 m

Spread: 1.00 m

Flowering time: Spring, Summer

Garden uses: Borders, Containers, Hedging, Living areas, Paths & Steps, Pool areas

Garden styles: Backyard, City & Courtyard, Cottage, Formal, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern, Rock, Tropical, White

Gardenia 'Golden Magic'

Gardenia 'Golden Magic' is a unique evergreen shrub that produces highly fragrant white flowers which gradually turn golden yellow as they age, offering a stunning two-tone display. Its glossy green foliage and long flowering season make it a standout in NZ gardens.

Buy Gardenia 'Golden Magic'

From $18.95

Suited to regions: Subtropical, Temperate

Plant type: Shrubs

Height: 1.50 m

Spread: 1.50 m

Flowering time: Summer, Autumn

Garden uses: Containers, Hedging, Living areas, Pool areas

Garden styles: Backyard, City & Courtyard, Cottage, Formal, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern, Rock, Tropical

Why Gardenias Are Garden Favourites

Gardenias offer more than just beautiful flowers and fragrance. These shrubs work wonderfully in borders, pots, or as feature plants near entrances. Their evergreen leaves provide year-round structure, while their blooms add visual interest and classic scent in late spring and summer. If you’re after a shrub that combines beauty and function, gardenia is among the best choices.

Top Picks for the Best Gardenia Varieties

Not all gardenias are created equal. Here are some of the top varieties that New Zealand gardeners love, each with its unique strengths:

Gardenia Tahiti

A standout variety, Gardenia Tahiti is revered for its large double blooms and particularly strong scent. It thrives in well-drained soil and is tougher than many other gardenias when it comes to cooler climates.

Gardenia Frostproof

If you’re in a region prone to late frosts, Gardenia Frostproof might be your best gardenia option. It’s specially bred to withstand colder temperatures and still produce plenty of fragrant, snow-white flowers on compact plants.

Gardenia Golden Magic

The blooms of Gardenia Golden Magic open as pure white and slowly age to a soft golden hue, giving your garden a dynamic display. The plant forms a neat, bushy habit, perfect for pots or low hedges.

Gardenia Lace Lady

Looking for a delicate look? Gardenia Lace Lady features exquisite, lacy double flowers and compact growth, making it ideal for small spaces or container gardening.

Gardenia Professor Pucci

For an absolute showstopper, consider Gardenia Professor Pucci. It offers large, highly fragrant flowers and thrives in the right spot, quickly becoming a standout specimen in any garden.

Tips for Growing the Best Gardenia Bush

To get the most from your plant, choose a sheltered spot with morning sun or dappled shade, and rich, acidic soil. Protect your gardenia from harsh winds and feed regularly in spring and summer with a fertiliser formulated for acid-loving plants. Regular watering (while avoiding soggy soil) encourages healthy roots and optimal blooming.

Whether you’re after the lush blooms of Gardenia Tahiti, the cold hardiness of Gardenia Frostproof, or the changing hues of Gardenia Golden Magic, exploring these choices ensures you’ll find the best gardenia for your space. With expert care, your gardenia will reward you with years of scent and beauty.

Contact us

Whether you need assistance finding the plant you’re looking for or you simply want to know more about who we are and what we do, we invite you to get in touch with us today. A member of The Plant Company team will get back in touch as soon as possible.

best gardenia

Gardenia 'Lace Lady'

Gardenia 'Golden Magic'

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Why Gardenias Are Garden Favourites