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spreading gardenia

Looking for a lush, evergreen shrub that delivers enchanting fragrance and classic beauty across your garden beds? The spreading gardenia is the ideal solution. Famous for its broad, low-growing habit, the spreading gardenia offers dense, glossy foliage and a profusion of creamy-white, powerfully scented blooms throughout the warm months. It’s a favourite among New Zealand gardeners for hedging, foundational planting, and cascading beautifully over retaining walls or garden edges. Whether you’re establishing a fragrant border or seeking reliable ground cover, this versatile shrub is both a garden showpiece and a pollinator magnet.

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 gardenia is highly valued for its long flowering season, often producing blooms from spring through autumn in favourable conditions.

From $18.95

Suited to regions: Subtropical, Temperate
Plant type: Shrubs
Height: 1.25 m
Spread: 1.25 m
Flowering time: Spring, Summer
Garden uses: Containers, Living areas, Patios, Pool areas
Garden styles: Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern, Rock, Tropical, White
Westringia 'Mundi' with lush green-grey foliage and white flowers in a pot.

Westringia 'Mundi'

4.5 from 2 customers

Westringia 'Mundi' is a compact spreading evergreen shrub prized for its fine grey green foliage, naturally low mounding habit, and delicate white flowers that appear over much of the year. It is an excellent choice for groundcover, borders, coastal gardens, retaining walls, and containers.

From $19.95

Suited to regions: Subtropical, Temperate
Plant type: Groundcover Plants
Height: 40 cm
Spread: 1.25 m
Flowering time: Spring, Summer
Tolerances: Coastal, Extended dry periods, Hardy
Garden uses: Borders, Ground covering, Living areas, Paths & Steps, Pool areas
Garden styles: Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Frontyard, Japanese, Mediterranean, Modern
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 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
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 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 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...

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
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
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$18.95
Grevillea 'Bronze Rambler' plant with pink flowers.
Grevillea 'Bronze Rambler'

Grevillea 'Bronze Rambler' is a low growing evergreen shrub valued for its bronze tinted foliage and vibrant red flowers. Flowering over a long...

From$24.95
Callistemon 'Rocky Rambler' ground cover plant with creeping stems with green foliage and red flowers.
Callistemon 'Rocky Rambler' (Red Bottlebrush)

Callistemon 'Rocky Rambler' is a compact, spreading bottlebrush known for its vibrant red flower spikes and fine evergreen foliage. This variety...

From$27.53
pachysandra-terminalis-5
Pachysandra terminalis

Pachysandra terminalis, commonly known as Japanese Spurge, is a hardy evergreen groundcover valued for its glossy dark green foliage and dense...

From$23.39
Coprosma Red Rocks with colourful foliage in a garden.
Coprosma 'Red Rocks'

Coprosma 'Red Rocks' is a hardy NZ native shrub known for its rich red toned foliage and tough spreading habit. Naturally found in coastal...

From$11.95
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
prunus-tai-haku-2
Prunus 'Tai Haku'

Prunus 'Tai Haku' is a spectacular deciduous flowering tree valued for its exceptionally large white spring blossoms and elegant spreading form. The...

From$349.95
Petunia 'Easy Wave White' plant with stunning white flowers.
Petunia 'Easy Wave White'

Petunia 'Easy Wave White' is a vigorous spreading petunia valued for its pure white flowers and exceptional flowering performance. Well suited to New...

From$24.77
cotoneaster-dammeri--1
Cotoneaster dammeri

Cotoneaster dammeri (Bearberry Cotoneaster) is a low growing evergreen shrub valued for its spreading habit, glossy green foliage, and seasonal...

From$24.77
Albizia julibrissin 'Rosea' pink flowers and lush, green foliage.
Albizia julibrissin 'Rosea'

Albizia julibrissin 'Rosea' (Silk Tree) is a stunning deciduous tree valued for its graceful spreading canopy, fern like foliage, and masses of...

From$183.51
Azalea 'Gardenia Supreme' stunning white flower with lush, dark green foliage.
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$26.95
A beautiful Magnolia 'Star Wars' tree with masses of pink flowers.
Magnolia 'Star Wars'

Magnolia 'Star Wars' is a striking deciduous magnolia known for its large, star-shaped flowers in shades of deep pink with pale interiors. Blooming...

From$387.55
prunus-shirotae-
Prunus 'Shirotae'

Prunus 'Shirotae' is a stunning flowering cherry celebrated for its masses of large pure white blossoms that brighten New Zealand gardens each...

From$349.95
Callistemon citrinus 'White Anzac' white flowers amidst green foliage.
Callistemon 'White Anzac' (White Bottlebrush)

Callistemon 'White Anzac' is a low growing spreading bottlebrush known for its elegant white flower brushes that appear from late spring through...

From$27.53
Ajuga 'Catlins Giant' plants with green foliage and blue flowers growing in a garden bed.
Ajuga 'Catlins Giant'

Ajuga 'Catlins Giant' (Bugleweed Plant) is a vigorous evergreen groundcover valued for its large glossy dark green leaves and striking blue flower...

From$18.63
wetcit-wetting-agent-1-litre-1
Wetcit Wetting Agent

For Wetcit Wetting Agent, wetcit is a wetting and spreading agent which is designed to improve the effectiveness of agrichemicals. When used with...

From$95.20
Fagus sylvatica (European Beech) specimen tree with emerging green foliage.
Fagus sylvatica

Fagus sylvatica, commonly known as the Common Beech or European Beech, is a large, deciduous tree that grows with a broad, spreading crown. The...

From$192.51
Rose 'Flower Carpet Scarlet' plants with red flowers above lush, green foliage.
Rose 'Flower Carpet Scarlet'

Rose 'Flower Carpet Scarlet' is a low growing ground cover rose that produces a bold display of scarlet red flowers over a long season. Its spreading...

From$33.81
Cornus 'National' specimen tree with masses of cream-coloured flowers.
Cornus kousa 'National'

Cornus kousa 'National' is a deciduous tree that features large and showy, cream white flowers in spring, which are followed by red berries in...

From$279.95
Rose 'Flower Carpet Pink' stunning pink flowers.
Rose 'Flower Carpet Pink'

Rose 'Flower Carpet Pink' is a low growing ground cover rose loved for its masses of clear pink flowers, spreading habit, and dependable garden...

From$34.43
gardenia-aimee-yoshiba--1
Gardenia 'Aimee Yoshiba'

Gardenia 'Aimee Yoshiba' is a stunning evergreen shrub admired for its large intensely fragrant creamy white flowers and glossy dark green foliage...

OUT OF STOCK
gardenia-crown-jewels--1
Gardenia 'Crown Jewel'

Gardenia 'Crown Jewel' is a stunning evergreen shrub admired for its intensely fragrant creamy white flowers and glossy dark green foliage. This...

OUT OF STOCK
Gardenia 'Veitchii'

Did you find what you are looking for?

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

Search spreading gardenia

Why Choose Spreading Gardenia?

The spreading gardenia stands out for its horizontal, low-growing growth, making it perfect for spaces where you want softness, lush coverage, and a gentle cascade effect. The glossy leaves stay bright green year-round, and the classic gardenia flowers release their sweet, heady scent each time you brush by. It’s ideal for planting under windows, along sheltered pathways, or to fill awkward spots in your garden design. Spreading gardenias thrive in New Zealand's mild, frost-free areas and are resistant to most local pests when planted in well-draining, slightly acidic soil.

Growing and Care Tips

Spreading gardenias appreciate a sheltered spot away from harsh winds and direct afternoon sun. Morning sun or filtered light ensures the best flowering and keeps those glossy leaves at their lushest. Water regularly during dry spells, but take care not to over-water—gardenias dislike soggy roots. Mulch around the base to conserve moisture and suppress weeds, and feed with a slow-release, acid-loving plant fertiliser in spring. Light pruning after flowering will keep your spreading gardenia compact and densely branched.

If you love gardenias but your garden conditions differ, you might also consider some beautiful alternatives: Gardenia Tahiti for a taller, upright shrub with large blooms, Gardenia Frostproof for areas prone to cold snaps, or Gardenia Lace Lady and Gardenia Magnifica for unique flower shapes and reliable performance in New Zealand gardens.

Best Uses in the Garden

The spreading gardenia adapts well to a range of garden designs. Use it as a striking evergreen ground cover beneath trees, mass plant it along borders for a continuous, fragrant hedge, or cultivate it in large pots near living areas to enjoy the intoxicating scent up close. Its spreading form makes it perfect for softening pathways, cascading over walls, or brightening shady corners. For year-long interest and flowering, mix spreading gardenias with other evergreen shrubs such as Gardenia Four Seasons.

Find Your Perfect Spreading Gardenia

Whether you’re after a ground-hugging shrub to fill a tricky spot or a showy scented feature, the spreading gardenia brings the best of fragrance, beauty, and adaptability to New Zealand gardens. Explore our full range, talk to our friendly nursery team for expert advice, and let your planting plans take root with this evergreen classic.

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.
Our garden favourites Avocado 'Reed' and Ficus benjamina get lots of love, but don’t miss out on a few lesser-known delights: Camellia 'High Fragrance', Carex 'Frosted Curls', and Macropiper excelsum.
–The Plant Company

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