Genus · Rubiaceae
Gardenia
3 species tracked in Horta’s catalog, and the named cultivars growers keep. Walk down to a species for its full care record, or into a cultivar for its traits and provenance.
Species in this genus
The ones growers meet most — each links to its own page.
Gardenia jasminoides
Cape Jasmine
Gardenia jasminoides is an evergreen shrub from the warm, humid subtropical forests of East and Southeast Asia, where it grows in dappled light and consistently moist, well-drained, acidic soil. Give it bright indirect light and water when the top inch of mix is just beginning to dry, never letting it sit soggy or fully dry out. It is sensitive to dry air and cold drafts, so steady warmth and high humidity suit its nature best.
Gardenia taitensis
Tahitian Gardenia
An evergreen shrub or small tree native to the warm, humid islands of the South Pacific, where it grows in bright but often filtered light near coasts. It prefers steady warmth and elevated humidity, with an even but not waterlogged root zone. Water when the top inch of mix has dried, allowing brief drying between waterings rather than keeping it constantly wet.
Gardenia thunbergia
Cape Jessamine
Gardenia thunbergia is a woody shrub or small tree from the subtropical forest margins and grassland of southern Africa, so it wants bright light with shelter from harsh midday sun and freely draining soil. Water when the top inch of mix has dried, keeping it evenly moist in growth but never sitting wet, as the roots dislike stagnant water.
About the genus
A genus-level overview — shared traits, history, the botany that ties these plants together — is on its way. For now, the species and cultivars above and below carry the genus.
Kept true by its growers
Gardenia keeps evolving — species move, cultivars appear, IDs get corrected. If you can place an unplaced plant or add a species we’re missing, the whole genus gets truer.
Overview derived from 3 tracked species · the contribute flow arrives with the next slice.