Radicans Gardenia

Radicans Gardenia (Gardenia jasminoides 'Radicans', still listed in many nurseries under Gardenia augusta) delivers true gardenia perfume from a plant that stays under 40cm tall. This is the groundcover form of the classic gardenia, spreading to about 80cm wide with the same glossy deep green leaves and creamy white scented flowers, just at ankle height. Massed along a path it turns the front of a bed into a perfumed edge.

Why you'll love it

• Gardenia scent at ground level. The flowers carry the full fragrance of the taller varieties, close to paths and seating where it gets noticed.
• Genuinely dwarf. Under 40cm tall and about 80cm wide, it holds its low spreading shape without constant cutting back.
• Glossy foliage year round. The evergreen leaves keep the border looking furnished between flushes of flower.
• Built for warmth and humidity. It thrives in tropical, subtropical and warm temperate gardens where many groundcovers tire.
• Low maintenance for a gardenia. A feed, a mulch and one light trim a year cover the whole program.

Where it works best

Borders and edging. Plant 50cm apart along paths, steps and bed fronts where you brush past the flowers. It reads as a neat green ribbon even out of bloom.

Mass planting and groundcover. On the same 50cm grid it knits into a dense, weed suppressing carpet under taller shrubs or across a low bank.

Pots, balconies and courtyards. It softens the edge of a container beautifully and puts the perfume right beside outdoor seating.

Growing Radicans Gardenia in Australia

Position and climate. Morning sun with light afternoon shade is ideal in hot districts; full sun is fine in milder coastal gardens. It suits tropical, subtropical and warm temperate climates and takes light frost only, so in colder areas grow it in a pot you can move to shelter over winter.

Soil. Slightly acidic, rich and free draining. Dig compost through the bed, mulch well and keep the mulch clear of the stems. Gardenias sulk in alkaline soil.

Water and feed. Keep moisture even through the warm months, because plants that dry out while budding will drop those buds. Feed in spring and again in late summer with a fertiliser blended for acid loving plants.

Pruning. A light trim after the main flush keeps the cover dense and low. That is the entire job.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Radicans Gardenia as tube stock, as 140mm pots in packs of 10, and as 200mm pots in packs of 6, sizes that suit massed planting. Plants arrive compact and leafy, establish over their first summer, and touch into full cover at 50cm spacing within a couple of seasons. The odd yellowing older leaf in the cool months is normal gardenia behaviour, not a fault.

Plants are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95 and a minimum order of $300 before delivery. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Browse the full gardenia range
• Our guide to growing gardenias in Australia
• Aimee Yoshiba, a taller gardenia for the same beds
• More fragrant plants for scented gardens

Common questions

How far apart should I plant it?

50cm apart for a massed border or groundcover. At that spacing plants meet into continuous cover within about two seasons.

Is it safe for pets?

No. Gardenias are toxic to cats and dogs if eaten, so keep it away from pets that chew plants, or choose a different groundcover for a pet heavy garden.

Why are the leaves turning yellow?

A few older leaves yellowing in winter is normal. Widespread yellowing usually points to alkaline soil or hunger: apply a fertiliser for acid loving plants and the new growth should come through green.

Will it flower in shade?

It flowers best with at least half a day of sun. In deep shade you keep the glossy foliage but lose most of the flowers and perfume.

Can it handle frost?

Light frost only. In frost prone districts grow it in a container and move it under cover on cold nights, or give it the warmest wall in the garden.