Gardenia Flower

Gardenia, Gardenia Flower, Gardenia Flower Care, Gardenia Flower Meaning
The Gardenia is a flower that is absolutely beautiful, and it was named after Dr Alexander Garden, he is actually a Scottish naturalist. The Gardenia looks great, but it isn’t as easy to grow as how beautiful that it looks. But, if you are able to figure out the best ways to grow it, you will love it since it is beautiful and it smells really good. There are some good floral meanings that you can get out of this, the flower actually stands for “you are lovely” and it actually is also a symbol of secret love. This is a flower that you definitely want to give someone if you are a true romantic, you can relate it to kind of the Romeo and Juliet story.

Description of the Gardenia Flower
This flower is made of 142 species that are all flowering plants. You will find that the Gardenia is part of the coffee family and it is found throughout the tropical and subtropical climates. You will find that the flowers will actually grow to be up to 49 feet tall, but for the most part they won’t get that tall. Flowers are also single buds and one flower comes off of each of the buds. You will also notice that you can smell a Gardenia from miles away since they are one of the most aromatic flowers out there and they smell great. People love to have these in bouquets and in their yards because of how good they smell.
Uses for the Gardenia Flower
Besides having a flower that is an absolutely gorgeous flower to have growing, you can grow them. You are also going to find that these are great flowers for arrangements, bouquets, and corsages. The Gardenia smalls so great and it is one that is commonly used in weddings because of the smell and the way that they look. If you are having a summer wedding, you definitely want to check this out and see what you can get for these flowers. They are going to be a great flower that you want to take a look at.
Growing the Gardenia Flower
The thing that you will see is that the Gardenia flower is not easy to grow, it takes a lot to grow it and you need to be aware of it. You can use these in bouquets and they really stand out. If you are going to grow the Gardenia tree, you need to have time to put into it and you need to put the work into it. You will find that a Gardenia is not going to grow overnight; this is a tree that is going to have some time put into it. You will find that is going to take between one and three seasons before any flower will come to the tree and you need to be prepared for that, it is not going to happen overnight.
Gardenia Care
Gardenia blooms in mid-spring to early summer, and has a very prolonged flowering season. They are hardy plants and do well in most environmental conditions. They can be grown in pots and containers, as well as in the ground. They make for a very scented hedge (if you have the time and patience to shape it). They prefer a rich, acid soil with a pH maintained between 4.5 - 5.5.

Water gardenia plants well during dry months, as their leaves are quick to wilt. They cannot tolerate both; dry or frost. However, too much water will cause bud drop. Hence, the soil must be kept slightly moist, and not wet.
Plant gardenia in a 'not too sunny' location, where they can get both shade and sun. The plant should be fertilized once in a month, especially when the flower buds begin to appear. Many pest such as the scales, aphids, spider mites, thrips, whiteflies, etc. are quite fond of gardenia plants, and so, constantly keep attacking it. Most of them are found nestled together on the underside of leaves or close to flower stems.
These pest too can be the reason as to why buds or leaf drop occurs. Specific germicides are available to control this menace. During winters, ensure protection against frost. If in pots, bring the plant in a well-lit room, and for outdoor ones, cover with a frost cloth. Prune gardenia before the onset of spring, or after the last frost date.