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best smelling gardenia plant

If you’re searching for the best smelling gardenia plant to bring captivating fragrance and timeless beauty to your garden, you’re in the right place. With their alluring scent and glossy evergreen leaves, gardenias are beloved across New Zealand gardens, perfect for patios, walkways, and both indoor and outdoor spaces. But not all gardenias are created equal when it comes to fragrance. Discover the most aromatic varieties and tips to help you grow the best smelling gardenia plant for your home.

Gardenia 'Fragrant Star' white flowers and dark green foliage.

Gardenia Fragrant Star

5 from 4 customers

Gardenia 'Fragrant Star' is a compact, evergreen shrub prized for its intensely perfumed, star-shaped white flowers and glossy green foliage. Blooming from late spring into summer, it adds elegance and scent to gardens. This variety thrives in full sun to part shade with well-drained, slightly acidic soil. Ideal for borders, patio pots, or near entrances, 'Fragrant Star' is a low-maintenance plant that creates fragrant, eye-catching displays in both formal and tropical-style landscapes.

Suited to regions: Subtropical, Temperate
Plant type: Shrubs
Height: 1.00 m
Spread: 1.00 m
Flowering time: Summer, Autumn, Winter
Garden uses: Borders, Containers, Hedging, Living areas, Paths & Steps, Pool areas
Garden styles: Backyard, City & Courtyard, Formal, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern, Rock, Tropical, White
Gardenia augusta 'True Love' white flower with mid-green foliage.

Gardenia True Love

Gardenia 'True Love' is a compact, evergreen shrub reaching around 60–90 cm tall and wide, perfect for adding fragrance and lush foliage to NZ gardens. It produces richly scented, creamy-white flowers from late spring through summer, set against glossy dark green leaves. Thriving in full sun to part shade with well-drained, slightly acidic soil, it’s ideal for borders, patio pots, or as a low hedge. ‘True Love’ offers timeless beauty, perfume, and structure in a neat, easy-care form.

Suited to regions: Subtropical, Temperate
Plant type: Shrubs
Height: 1.00 m
Spread: 1.00 m
Flowering time: Spring, Summer, Autumn
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 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...

From$26.93
Gardenia 'Veitchii' white flower against dark green foliage.

Gardenia Veitchii

Gardenia veitchii is a compact, evergreen shrub renowned for its intensely fragrant, creamy-white flowers, which bloom from spring to summer. Its...

From$26.93
Gardenia 'Four Seasons' elegant white flower.

Gardenia Four Seasons

Gardenia 'Four Seasons' is a compact, evergreen shrub celebrated for its ability to flower multiple times throughout the year in NZ. It produces...

From$26.93
azalea-gardenia-supreme-

Azalea Gardenia Supreme

Azalea Gardenia Supreme is a popular variety due to its lovely form and profuse flowering through winter and spring. This hardy, evergreen shrub...

From$26.93
Gardenia Frost Proof shrub with white flowers and dark green foliage.

Gardenia Frostproof

Gardenia 'Frostproof' is a hardy, evergreen shrub renowned for its fragrant white flowers and glossy, dark green foliage. Reaching around 90–120 cm...

From$26.93
A Gardenia radicans shrub looking amazing with lush foliage and white flowers.

Gardenia radicans

Gardenia radicans is a compact, low-growing shrub prized for its glossy green foliage and intensely fragrant white flowers. Blooming from late spring...

From$25.58
An elegant Gardenia 'Professor Pucci' white flower.

Gardenia Professor Pucci

Gardenia 'Professor Pucci' is a stunning evergreen shrub known for its exceptionally large, fragrant white blooms and glossy green foliage. Flowering...

From$26.93
Gardenia 'Golden Magic' beautiful yellow flowers with green foliage.

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...

From$26.93
prostanthera-eddington-blue-

Prostanthera Eddington Blue (Mint Bush Plant)

Prostanthera Eddington Blue is an evergreen shrub grown for its foliage and flowers. It features small and glossy, green leaves which are highly...

From$26.93
Gardenia florida spectacular white flower amidst dark green foliage.

Gardenia Florida

Gardenia florida is a compact, evergreen shrub renowned for its glossy, green foliage and richly fragrant, white blooms that appear from late spring...

From$26.93
Stromanthe triostar plant.

Stromanthe Triostar (Stromanthe Plant)

Stromanthe Triostar is a popular indoor plant owing to its lush and colourful foliage. It features elegant, dark green, pink, and cream-coloured...

From$32.33
Chlorophytum comosum variegatum plants growing in pots on a shelf.

Chlorophytum comosum variegatum (Spider Plant)

Chlorophytum comosum Variegatum, commonly known as the Spider Plant, is a tender, herbaceous perennial grown for its lush and variegated foliage. It...

From$19.58
Gardenia 'Buttons' small, white flowers and dark green foliage.

Gardenia Buttons

Gardenia 'Buttons' is a compact, evergreen shrub admired for its sweetly fragrant, creamy-white flowers and glossy green foliage. The blooms are...

From$26.93
Chlorophytum 'Golden Glow' plant.

Chlorophytum Golden Glow (Chlorophytum comosum Spider Plant)

Chlorophytum Golden Glow, commonly known as the Spider Plant, is a tender, herbaceous perennial grown for its lush and bright foliage. It features...

From$21.53
chlorophytum-curly--2

Chlorophytum Curly (Curly Spider Plant)

Chlorophytum Curly, commonly known as the Curly Spider Plant or Airplane plant, is a tender, herbaceous perennial grown for its lush, variegated, and...

From$21.53
Kniphofia Dwarf Scarlet plant with red flowers.

Kniphofia 'Dwarf Scarlet' (Hot Poker Plant)

Kniphofia 'Dwarf Scarlet' is a compact perennial known for its vibrant red flower spikes that rise above neat grassy foliage. This eye catching plant...

From$20.18
bergenia-cordifolia-3

Bergenia cordifolia (Pig Squeak Plant)

Bergenia cordifolia is a hardy evergreen perennial admired for its large glossy leaves and clusters of pink flowers in late winter and spring. This...

From$21.53
perovskia-blue-spire-

Perovskia Blue Spire (Russian Sage Plant)

The Perovskia Blue Spire plant, commonly known as the Russian Sage Plant, is a small shrub grown for its fine foliage and impressive flowers. Masses...

From$24.23
Lagerstroemia 'Best Red' red flowers amidst dark purple foliage.

Lagerstroemia 'Best Red'

Lagerstroemia ‘Best Red’ is a standout crepe myrtle prized for its intense red summer flowers and strong upright tree form. Flowering through the...

From$358.98
perovskia-atriplicifolia--1

Perovskia atriplicifolia (Perovskia plant)

Perovskia atriplicifolia, commonly known as Russian Sage or Russian Lavender, is a small and erect shrub that is grown for its fine foliage and...

From$24.23
duranta-geisha-girl-

Duranta Geisha Girl (Geisha Girl Plant)

Duranta Geisha Girl is a popular choice known for its evergreen shrub with fresh green leaves and deep, blue flowers. The flowers have a white centre...

From$28.28
helichrysum-petiolare--3

Helichrysum petiolare (Licorice Plant)

Helichrysum petiolare, commonly known as the Licorice plant, is a popular, evergreen shrub that is often used as a groundcover. It produces long...

From$24.23
Kniphofia 'Border Ballet' plants in a cottage garden featuring orange flowers and lush green foliage.

Kniphofia 'Border Ballet' (Hot Poker Plant)

Kniphofia 'Border Ballet' is a variety of the commonly known Red Hot Poker, and is grown for its colourful flowers. Stems rise above the foliage...

From$20.18
Carex 'Everlime' plants for sale at The Plant Company nursery.

Carex 'Everlime' (Lime Grass Plant)

Carex ‘Everlime’ (Japanese Sedge) is a popular evergreen sedge valued for its graceful arching green foliage edged with bright lime cream margins...

From$26.33
A lush Coprosma repens shrub growing in a shaded position.

Coprosma repens (Mirror Plant)

Coprosma repens, also known as Taupata or Mirror Plant, is a robust New Zealand native shrub featuring lush, glossy green foliage. Growing up to 3...

From$20.18
aechmea-fasciata-

Aechmea fasciata (Urn Plant)

Aechmea fasciata is a colourful Bromeliad that features thick and leathery leaves that are striped with silver and dark green. They are borne as a...

Leonotis leonurus shrub with masses of orange flowers.

Leonotis leonurus (Lions Tail Plant)

Leonotis leonurus, commonly known as the Lions Tail Plant, is a shrub grown for its interesting flowers and foliage. Its unusualness comes from...

From$26.93
Sedum rubrotinctum (Jelly Bean Plant) bright red foliage.

Sedum rubrotinctum (Jelly Bean Plant)

Sedum rubrotinctum, commonly known as Jelly Bean Plant or Pork and Beans Plant, is a compact, low-growing succulent reaching 15–20 cm tall and...

From$20.93
A Spearmint plant with lush, green leaves.

Mint Plant

Mint Plant (Spearmint) is a popular herb grown for its fresh fragrant leaves and versatile use in cooking drinks and home remedies. Well suited to...

From$20.18
sansevieria-hahnii-

Sansevieria Hahnii (Bird's Nest Snake Plant)

Sansevieria Hahnii, commonly known as the Dwarf Snake Plant or Serpent Plant, is a very popular indoor plant. It features upright and fleshy leaves...

From$37.73
Gardenia Fragrant Star

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Aechmea, Azalea, Bergenia, Carex, Chlorophytum, Coprosma, Duranta, Gardenia, Helichrysum, Kniphofia, Lagerstroemia, Leonotis, Mint, Perovskia, Prostanthera, Sansevieria Sedum and Stromanthe, or related Categories - Grasses, Groundcover Plants, Indoor Plants, Perennials, Evergreen Azaleas, Evergreen Shrubs Succulents and Deciduous Trees.

Search best smelling gardenia plant

What Makes the Best Smelling Gardenia Plant?

A truly fragrant gardenia plant will fill the air with its sweet, creamy scent—even at a distance. Factors that contribute to the intensity of fragrance include flower variety, plant health, location, and growing conditions. When selecting the best smelling gardenia plant, consider varieties known for their exceptional scent and reliable flowering throughout the season.

Top Varieties for Exceptional Scent

Some gardenias really stand out for their memorable aroma and luxurious blooms. If you’re looking for the best smelling gardenia plant, we recommend exploring these standout varieties:

Each of these varieties has its own unique flower form and fragrance intensity, letting you select the best smelling gardenia plant for your taste and garden style.

Where to Plant for Maximum Fragrance

To make the most of your best smelling gardenia plant, position it near entrances, paths, or patios where the fragrance can be easily enjoyed. Gardenias also do well in pots, which allows you to move them closer in winter or when in bloom. Choose a sheltered spot with morning sun, free-draining, acidic soil, and protection from harsh afternoon rays.

Care Tips for Healthy, Fragrant Gardenias

A healthy plant produces the loveliest scent. Ensure your gardenia gets regular moisture (but not soggy roots), annual feeding with acid-loving fertiliser, and mulch to keep roots cool. Prune lightly after flowering to encourage bushy new growth and more blooms. With proper care, your best smelling gardenia plant will reward you with stunning flowers and uplifting fragrance for years to come.

Explore our full collection to find the best gardenia for your needs—including highly recommended selections like Gardenia Fragrant Star, Gardenia True Love, and Gardenia Veitchii—and enjoy a garden that smells as beautiful as it looks.


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.

–The Plant Company

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