Gardenia jasminoides 'KLEIM'S HARDY'

Gardenia is a well-known indoor plant with fantastic fragrance. However, in 1990´s a few breeders came with selections that were supposed to grow happily outdoors, too. Among those Kleim’s Hardy was one of the first truly successful attempts.

Kleim’s Hardy is a small, slow growing evergreen shrub that can take winters up to zone 7. Its flowers are 3-4 cm across, creamy white with yellowish centres, heavily scented with the typical jasmine-like fragrance. It blooms from end spring until early or mid summer. The ovate leaves are deep green and highly glossy and the plant can easily be mistaken for a Japanese azalea when not blooming. Pruning is usually not needed but can be done after flowering.

For healthy growth, deep green foliage and reliable flowering without dropping of flower buds it absolutely needs acid soil (pH of about 4.3-5.0), always moist but never too wet = must be well-drained. Grow it in filtered sunlight or part shade. It can take full sun if you do not forget to water it on hot and dry days of summer. Tap water can make yellowing leaves, use rainwater if possible. A slow-release fertilizer is highly recommended plus a few doses of sequestrene (iron solution) during growing season. Keep it mulched at all times. Hardy to about -17°C (USDA zone 7).

Last update 18-02-2010; 07-02-2019