Call us: 0800 843 752Free shipping for orders $150 or over
Gift Vouchers

frost proof gardenia

If you’re searching for a hardy, evergreen shrub to bring fragrance and beauty to your garden all year round, the frost proof gardenia is an exceptional choice. Known for its ability to withstand cooler temperatures better than most traditional gardenias, this garden favourite combines lush glossy leaves with creamy, intensely fragrant flowers. It’s ideal for New Zealand gardens, especially those in regions that experience the occasional winter frost, and is a must-have if you want a reliable performer that still delivers classic gardenia scent and style.

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

Gardenia radicans

5 from 4 customers

Gardenia radicans is a compact, low-growing shrub prized for its glossy green foliage and intensely fragrant white flowers. Blooming from late spring through summer, it adds a sweet perfume and lush texture to NZ gardens. Ideal as a ground cover, border plant, or in containers, it thrives in full sun to partial shade with well-drained, slightly acidic soil. Perfect for small spaces or tropical-themed plantings, this hardy variety offers year-round greenery and seasonal floral impact.

Suited to regions: Subtropical, Temperate
Plant type: Groundcover Plants
Height: 40 cm
Spread: 70 cm
Flowering time: Spring, Summer
Garden uses: Borders, Containers, Ground covering, Living areas, Paths & Steps, Pool areas
Garden styles: Backyard, City & Courtyard, Cottage, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern, Tropical, White
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 tall and wide, it’s ideal for NZ gardeners in cooler regions, as it tolerates light frosts better than most gardenia varieties. Blooming from late spring through summer, it brings lasting scent and elegance to borders, pots, or hedges.

Suited to regions: All regions
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: Alpine, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Cottage, Formal, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern, Rock, Tropical, White
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
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$20.01
rhipsalis-cereuscula-3
Rhipsalis cereuscula (Coral Cactus)

Commonly known as the Coral Cactus, this is a succulent grown for its slender and interesting stems. Masses of the dark green, thread-like stems are...

From$27.53
A Tui in a Metrosideros carminea shrub feeding on the red flowers.
Metrosideros carminea

Metrosideros carminea, commonly known as Climbing Rata or Crimson Rata Vine, is a striking New Zealand native valued for its vivid red flowers and...

From$26.15
Clerodendrum ugandense (Blue Butterfly Bush) blue flowers.
Clerodendrum ugandense (Butterfly Bush)

Clerodendrum ugandense, commonly known as the Blue Butterfly Bush, is an open, sprawling evergreen shrub favoured for its lovely masses of blue...

From$37.19
Gardenia 'Fragrant Star' white flowers and dark green foliage.
Gardenia 'Fragrant Star'

Gardenia 'Fragrant Star' is a compact, evergreen shrub prized for its intensely perfumed, star-shaped white flowers and glossy green foliage...

From$18.95
cassia-corymbosa-john-ball-1
Cassia 'John Ball'

Cassia 'John Ball' (Buttercup Tree) is a stunning small tree known for its masses of bright yellow flowers that create a spectacular display in warm...

From$24.77
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$22.01
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
rose-flower-carpet-gold--1
Rose Flower Carpet Gold

Rose Flower Carpet Gold is a popular ground cover rose that features masses of showy, yellow flowers. Flowering begins in spring and will continue...

From$34.43
Leptospermum scoparium (Manuka) shrubs in a native reserve.
Leptospermum scoparium (Manuka)

Leptospermum scoparium, commonly known as Manuka or New Zealand Tea Tree, is a hardy native shrub prized for its aromatic foliage and masses of white...

From$13.73
frost-cloth-3
Frost Cloth

Frost cloth is an essential solution for protecting plants from frost, cold winds, and extreme weather conditions. This breathable, lightweight...

From$11.28
phlebodium-blue-star-
Phlebodium aureum Blue Star (Blue Star Fern)

The Blue Star Fern features wavy leaves that are a blue-green colour. This popular indoor plant grows as a clump to about 30 cm tall and the same...

From$38.57
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...

From$18.95
Chinese Windmill Palms planted as a cluster.
Trachycarpus fortunei (Chinese Windmill Palm)

Trachycarpus fortunei, commonly known as the Windmill Palm, is a hardy, evergreen palm ideal for New Zealand gardens. It features a tall, slender...

From$49.61
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
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
Lomandra 'Arctic Frost' plant in a pot with variegated foliage.
Lomandra Arctic Frost

Lomandra Arctic Frost is a hardy ornamental grass featuring variegated blue and cream foliage held upright with a gentle arch. Growing to...

From$19.25
A Punica granatum (Pomegranate) tree with a red flower, red berries, and green foliage.
Punica granatum

Punica granatum, commonly known as the Pomegranate, is a shrubby plant grown for its flowers and delicious fruit. Upright branches carry large...

From$33.05
Carex 'Frosted Curls' plants with elegant green foliage growing in a pot with other plants.
Carex Frosted Curls

Carex Frosted Curls is an ornamental grass with slender, hair-like, iridescent foliage that shimmers in light breezes. It typically grows to 30 cm...

From$13.73
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$18.95
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
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$18.95
Corokia Frosted Chocolate showcasing its lush green and brown foliage.
Corokia 'Frosted Chocolate'

Corokia 'Frosted Chocolate', commonly known as Korokio, is a hardy, NZ native shrub with lovely foliage and an interesting form. It grows as a mass...

From$12.95
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
Gardenia radicans

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Azalea, Carex, Cassia, Chlorophytum, Clerodendrum, Corokia, Gardenia, Leptospermum, Lomandra, Metrosideros, Phlebodium, Punica, Rhipsalis Rose and Trachycarpus, or related Categories - Fabrics and plastics, Acid Loving Plants, Pomegranate Plants, Grasses, Groundcover Plants, Indoor Plants, Palm Trees, Carpet Roses, Deciduous Shrubs Evergreen Azaleas and Evergreen Shrubs.

Search frost proof gardenia

Why Choose Frost Proof Gardenia?

Frost proof gardenia varieties, such as the popular Gardenia Frostproof, are specially cultivated to handle colder weather. These robust shrubs tolerate brief periods of frost, making them perfect for gardeners who love gardenias but have struggled with damaged leaves and flowers during winter. Their compact habit and glossy deep-green foliage provide year-round structure, while from late spring to early summer, they burst into bloom with clusters of creamy-white, highly perfumed flowers.

Ideal Position and Planting Tips

To get the best from your frost proof gardenia, select a sunny to partly shaded spot protected from harsh, cold winds. Well-drained, acidic soil is essential; enrich your planting hole with compost and mulch to maintain consistent moisture and keep roots cool. Gardenias are happiest with regular feeding during the growing season and appreciate an occasional dose of iron to prevent yellowing leaves.

Frost Proof Gardenias in Your Landscape

The frost proof gardenia makes an excellent choice for foundation planting, hedges, or as a stand-alone specimen in garden beds or pots. Plant near windows, entrances, or paths so you can enjoy their heady fragrance up close. For a varied evergreen garden, combine with other resilient and beautiful varieties like Gardenia thunbergia, known for its tall shape and perfumed blooms, or Gardenia Magnifica, prized for large, showy flowers.

Looking for something low and spreading? Gardenia radicans is a superb groundcover option, featuring classic gardenia fragrance in a compact form perfect for borders and underplanting.

Companions and Alternatives

Frost proof gardenias pair beautifully with other shade-tolerant and frost-hardy plants. For touches of colour, consider adding Campanula EH Frost, a delicate perennial that complements the deep green gardenia foliage with clouds of soft blue blooms throughout the season. Mixing gardenias with camellias or azaleas also creates a lush, easy-care woodland atmosphere.

Caring for Your Frost Proof Gardenia

Regular watering, especially in dry spells, and mulching in late autumn will help your gardenias get through the coldest months. Prune lightly after flowering to maintain shape and encourage bushy growth. With the right care, your frost proof gardenia will reward you for years with glossy foliage and an unforgettable perfume, even in less-than-tropical climates.

Ready to grow the most reliable gardenia for cool conditions? Explore our selection and bring classic fragrance to your outdoor spaces with Gardenia Frostproof and related varieties.


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

Explore Garden Inspiration

Sign up to receive a free $10 Voucher You won’t be bombarded with emails, just titbits of quality information from time to time Sign up
Free shipping on orders over $150!

Join our community of happy customers.

4.8

445 Google reviews