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gardenia species

Gardenia species are popular among New Zealand gardeners for their lush green foliage and exquisitely fragrant flowers. With their enchanting creamy-white blooms and captivating scent, gardenias bring elegance and a touch of the tropics to gardens, patios, and containers. While the classic forms are well-known, there exists a fascinating variety of gardenia species suitable for different landscapes, climates, and tastes. In this guide, we’ll explore several stunning gardenia species, each with its unique features, to help you choose the best shrub for your outdoor space.

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

Gardenia 'Fragrant Star'

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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 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.

From $18.95

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 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
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 '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
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
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$18.95
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
Hoheria angustifolia green foliage with masses of white flowers.
Hoheria angustifolia

Hoheria angustifolia, commonly known as Houhere or Narrow leaved Lacebark, is a fast growing New Zealand native tree admired for its graceful form...

From$64.79
Pittosporum ralphii olive-green foliage.
Pittosporum ralphii (Ralphs Karo)

Pittosporum ralphii is a hardy, evergreen native shrub or small tree ideal for hedging, screening, and native planting projects across New Zealand...

From$26.15
Sophora longicarinata yellow flowers.
Sophora longicarinata (Limestone Kowhai)

Sophora longicarinata is a rare and beautiful NZ native tree belonging to the kowhai family. This evergreen to semi deciduous species is admired for...

From$323.65
Juncus edgariae (Wiwi) plants growing in a wetland.
Juncus edgariae (Edgar's Rush)

Juncus edgariae, commonly known as Wiwi, is the most prevalent species of Rush in New Zealand and grows as a tight clump with bright green, stem-like...

From$16.49
Juncus pallidus (Giant Rush) plants in a landscaped garden.
Juncus pallidus (Giant Rush)

Juncus pallidus, commonly known as the Giant Rush, features erect, dark green leaves and grows as a tidy clump, reaching approximately 75 cm in...

From$16.49
Typha orientalis (Raupo) plants with brown seed heads.
Typha orientalis (Raupō)

Typha orientalis, commonly known as Raupo, is a vigorous and erect, NZ native grass. It is found throughout New Zealand in shallow, fertile waters...

From$14.84
fraxinus-ornus-2
Fraxinus ornus

Fraxinus ornus (Flowering Ash) is an elegant deciduous tree admired for its fragrant creamy white flower clusters that appear in late spring and...

From$387.55
Libertia paniculata plant with white flowers.
Libertia paniculata (Grass Flag)

Libertia paniculata is an elegant evergreen perennial admired for its fine, upright foliage and delicate white flowers that appear in airy clusters...

From$16.50
A large Prumnopitys ferruginea (Miro Tree) with lush, green foliage.
Prumnopitys ferruginea

Prumnopitys ferruginea, commonly known as Miro, is a majestic New Zealand native tree belonging to the Podocarp family. This long lived evergreen...

From$408.85
Griselinia lucida hedge with lush and large, green foliage.
Griselinia lucida

Griselinia lucida, commonly known as Akapuka, is a striking New Zealand native shrub or small tree characterized by its large, leathery, and glossy...

From$24.95
Pittosporum eugenioides tree with lush, dark green foliage and cream-coloured flowers.
Pittosporum eugenioides (Tarata)

Pittosporum eugenioides, commonly known as Tarata or Lemonwood, is a fast-growing native New Zealand tree valued for its glossy green leaves and...

From$15.04
A Metrosideros robusta (Northern Rata) tree in full flower in a native reserve.
Metrosideros robusta

Metrosideros robusta, commonly known as Northern Rata, is a majestic New Zealand native tree renowned for its brilliant red flowers and large...

From$323.65
Sophora microphylla specimen tree covered in yellow flowers.
Sophora microphylla (Small Leaved Kōwhai)

Sophora microphylla, commonly known as Weeping Kowhai, is a treasured New Zealand native tree admired for its graceful, drooping branches and masses...

From$28.91
Laurelia novae-zelandiae

Laurelia novae-zelandiae, commonly known as Pukatea, is a magnificent NZ native tree admired for its glossy green leaves, fluted trunk, and...

From$589.90
A Philodendron melanochrysum plant with dark green, velvet covered leaves growing in a pot.
Philodendron melanochrysum

Philodendron melanochrysum, also known as the Black Gold Philodendron, is a stunning climbing plant prized for its large, velvety, dark green leaves...

From$52.37
Phyllocladus trichomanoides lush green foliage.
Phyllocladus trichomanoides (Celery Pine)

Phyllocladus trichomanoides, commonly called Celery Pine, is a striking New Zealand native tree valued for its unique, celery like foliage and tall...

From$515.35
Pittosporum 'Limelight' variegated foliage.
Pittosporum 'Limelight' (Kohuhu)

Pittosporum 'Limelight' is a NZ native shrub that features dark green leaves with a lime green centre, held densely on upright stems. This evergreen...

From$22.01
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
Hedycarya arborea tree with lush green foliage.
Hedycarya arborea

Hedycarya arborea, commonly known as Pigeonwood, is a New Zealand native tree valued for its attractive foliage and wildlife benefits. This evergreen...

From$494.05
Ribes rubrum red berries on a shrub.
Ribes rubrum

Ribes rubrum is a productive red currant species valued for its bright, tangy berries and reliable performance in NZ gardens. It forms a tidy shrub...

From$30.29
A Kikuyu grass lawn bordered by a garden.
Pure Kikuyu Seed

Kikuyu grass is suited to warmer regions and coastal areas where hot and humid summers are less well suited to other turf species. The variety of...

From$24.95
A large and showy Gardenia thunbergia white flower.
Gardenia thunbergia

Gardenia thunbergia is a striking evergreen shrub or small tree admired for its glossy foliage and large, highly fragrant white flowers. Flowering in...

OUT OF STOCK
gardenia-grandiflora-star-
Gardenia 'Grandiflora Star'

Gardenia 'Grandiflora Star' is a stunning evergreen shrub admired for its large intensely fragrant white flowers and glossy dark green foliage. This...

OUT OF STOCK
Gardenia 'Fragrant Star'

Did you find what you are looking for?

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

Search gardenia species

What Makes Gardenia Species Special?

Each gardenia species boasts its own charm, but all are united by their glossy, evergreen leaves and beautifully scented flowers. Gardenias thrive in well-drained, slightly acidic soil, and most prefer a sheltered position with partial shade. Their versatility means gardenia species can be grown both as statement shrubs and as parts of hedging or borders. Many gardeners are drawn to their signature fragrance, which fills the evening air and attracts pollinators to the garden.

Popular Gardenia Species for New Zealand Gardens

Among the wide array of gardenia species, several are especially well-suited to New Zealand conditions and tastes. Here are a few highlighted options:

Gardenia thunbergia

Renowned for its robust nature and larger-than-average flowers, Gardenia thunbergia forms an impressive shrub or small tree. Its fragrant white blooms appear from late spring to early summer, making it a striking focal point in any garden.

Gardenia jasminoides

Perhaps the most widely recognised variety, Gardenia jasminoides, is prized for its intensely perfumed, snow-white flowers. This classic species is ideal for containers, borders, or formal gardens. Its compact growth and abundance of blooms make it a popular choice for both novice and expert gardeners.

Gardenia Tahiti

For tropical style and reliable blooms, Gardenia Tahiti is a standout among gardenia species. It offers vibrant green foliage and large, double flowers, thriving in frost-free zones and making a lush addition to sheltered courtyards or patios.

Gardenia Fragrant Star

As the name suggests, Gardenia Fragrant Star is renowned for its rich scent and star-shaped flowers. This species is more compact, making it perfect for small gardens or growing in a large decorative pot.

Gardenia Frostproof

If you’re gardening in cooler areas, Gardenia Frostproof has been bred to tolerate lower temperatures while still producing masses of beautiful blooms. This hardy gardenia species ensures you can enjoy fragrance and beauty even if your site experiences occasional winter chills.

Tips for Growing Gardenia Species

To enjoy the best results with any gardenia species, provide even moisture, mulch to keep roots cool, and feed with a fertiliser suited for acid-loving plants. Regular deadheading boosts flowering, while shelter from harsh winds helps preserve delicate blooms.

Gardenia species bring timeless beauty, fragrance, and greenery into New Zealand gardens. Whether you opt for a robust shrub like Gardenia thunbergia or a compact star flowerer like Gardenia Fragrant Star, there’s a gardenia to elevate any landscape.

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.
Everyone knows classic varieties like Lomandra Frosty Tops and Coprosma 'Hawera' (Sand Coprosma), but you might just fall in love with Azalea 'Gardenia Supreme', Metrosideros 'Maungapiko', and Leucadendron 'Golden Tulip'.
–The Plant Company

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