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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.

From $18.95

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.

From $18.95

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$18.95
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$18.95
Gardenia 'Veitchii' white flower against dark green foliage.
Gardenia 'Veitchii'

Gardenia 'Veitchii' is a classic evergreen shrub admired for its intensely fragrant creamy white flowers and glossy dark green foliage. This elegant...

From$18.95
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$18.95
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$16.95
Gardenia 'Golden Magic' plant featuring beautiful yellow flowers with dark 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$18.95
Gardenia 'Buttons' small, white flowers and dark green foliage.
Gardenia 'Buttons'

Gardenia 'Buttons' (Miniature Gardenia) is a charming compact evergreen shrub admired for its intensely fragrant creamy white flowers and glossy dark...

From$18.95
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$18.95
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$33.05
azalea-gardenia-supreme-
Azalea 'Gardenia Supreme'

Azalea 'Gardenia Supreme' is a stunning evergreen azalea admired for its large elegant blooms and compact rounded growth habit. Flowering generously...

From$15.95
White flowers on a Cistus 'Snowmound' plant with green foliage.
Cistus 'Snowmound' (White Rock Rose Plant)

Cistus ‘Snowmound’ is a compact evergreen shrub that produces a breathtaking display of pure white flowers with golden-yellow centres from late...

From$24.77
strelitzia-nicolai-
Strelitzia nicolai (White Bird Of Paradise Plant)

Strelitzia nicolai (Giant White Bird Of Paradise) is a bold, architectural plant known for its large banana like leaves and striking white and blue...

From$44.09
Disphyma australe pink flowers and fleshy, green leaves.
Disphyma australe (NZ Ice Plant)

Disphyma australe, commonly known as NZ Ice Plant, is a hardy and attractive groundcover valued for its fleshy, bright green foliage and striking...

From$19.50
clianthus-puniceus-
Clianthus puniceus (Parrot Beak Plant)

Clianthus puniceus (Kakabeak) is a spectacular New Zealand native shrub renowned for its striking clusters of brilliant red, beak shaped flowers that...

From$44.09
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$21.39
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$16.49
A large Monstera deliciosa (Swiss Cheese Plant) in a garden with lush, green leaves.
Monstera deliciosa (Swiss Cheese Plant)

Monstera deliciosa, also known as the Swiss Cheese or Fruit Salad Plant, is a popular indoor tropical plant loved for its striking, holey leaves and...

From$44.09
fertiliser-for-acid-loving-plants-
Fertiliser for acid loving plants (Acid Fertiliser)

Using fertiliser for acid loving plants is important for plants such as Camellias, Rhododendrons, Azaleas, Daphne’s, Gardenia’s, and Hydrangea’s who...

From$8.64
70-windbreak-2
Shadecloth - 70% Shade (Shade Cloth For Plants)

This shade cloth for plants, which is also used as plant windbreaks, reduces light levels and windspeeds by 70%. Therefore, 30% of the wind or light...

From$499.80
agave-americana-variegata--1
Agave americana 'Variegata' (Variegated Century Plant)

Agave americana 'Variegata' is a striking evergreen succulent valued for its bold architectural form and strongly variegated foliage. It forms a...

From$15.95
Moss pole for plants.
Moss Pole For Plants (Moss Pole For Plants)

These moss poles for plants are made from Coir Fibre (i.e., the husks of coconuts). They are an eco-friendly option to help plants grow healthier and...

From$6.90
Orange 'Best Seedless' orange fruit with orange flesh.
Orange 'Best Seedless'

The ‘Best Seedless’ Orange is a superb variety prized for its deliciously sweet, seedless fruit and easy-to-peel skin. Perfect for New Zealand...

From$34.95
A strong and studry planting spade.
Ace1 Planting Spade

The Ace 1 planting spade is a must for any gardener. This spade is designed so it can penetrate the ground easily without jarring the wrists in the...

From$225.86
half-litre-plant-pots-
0.51 Litre Thermoformed Plant Pots

These lightweight pots are a cost-effective means for growing on plants. They feature a strong and broad rim, have been UV stabilised for NZ...

From$23.04
15-litre-plant-pots-
1.5 Litre Thermoformed Plant Pots

These lightweight pots are a cost effective means for growing on plants. They feature a strong and broad rim, have been UV stabilised for NZ...

From$27.36
plant-pots-
2.5 Litre Thermoformed Plant Pots

These lightweight pots are a cost-effective means for growing on plants. They feature a strong and broad rim, have been UV stabilised for NZ...

From$37.44
5-litre-plant-pots-
5 Litre Thermoformed Plant Pots

These lightweight pots are a cost-effective means for growing on plants. They feature a strong and broad rim, have been UV stabilised for NZ...

From$79.20
10-litre-plant-pots-
10 Litre Thermoformed Plant Pots

These lightweight pots are a cost effective means for growing on plants. They feature a strong and broad rim, have been UV stabilised for NZ...

From$5.76
White waterproof paper plant tags for sale.
Waterproof Paper Plant Tags

These industry standard labels are made from plastic infused paper which makes them both tough and waterproof. They are widely used across the...

From$26.78
3-litre-plant-pots-
3.5 Litre Thermoformed Plant Pots

These lightweight pots are a cost-effective means for growing on plants. They feature a strong and broad rim, have been UV stabilised for NZ...

From$48.96
Gardenia 'Fragrant Star'

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Gardenia, or related Categories - Groundcover Plants, and Evergreen Shrubs.

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.

Illustration of plant leaves.
It’s easy to pick Stromanthe Triostar (Stromanthe Plant) and Corokia 'Frosted Chocolate', but garden variety is all about adding surprises like Radermachera sinica, Cornus kousa 'Satomi', and Metrosideros 'Tahiti'.
–The Plant Company

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