Name
Classifications and Characteristics
| Plant Division | Angiosperms (Flowering Seed Plants) (Dicotyledon) |
|---|---|
| Plant Growth Form | Shrub |
| Lifespan (in Singapore) | Perennial |
| Mode of Nutrition | Autotrophic |
| Plant Shape | Shrubby |
Biogeography
| Native Habitat | Terrestrial |
|---|---|
| Preferred Climate Zone | Tropical |
Description and Ethnobotany
| Growth Form | Large, woody evergreen shrub with a dense, rounded crown, able to grow up to 2.5 m tall. |
|---|---|
| Foliage | Glossy, deeply veined leaves are elliptic with entire leaf margin. Variegated leaves are dark green along the midrib with an irregular cream to white border along the leaf margin. |
| Flowers | Fragrant, double flowers are white to creamy white, about 7 cm wide. |
| Cultivation | This species has a slow growth rate. It blooms best in full sun, but also tolerates partial shade. It grows best in well-draining soils that are acidic (pH 5.5 - 6) and rich in compost. Mulch the plants with compost to prevent the soil from drying out or the roots from overheating. Feed plants with a palm fertilizer 3 times a year and prune after flowering. |
| Etymology | Genus "Gardenia" is named after Dr. Alexander Garden, an American doctor who also studied plants and animals (1730 - 1791). The species epithet "jasminoides" means similar to Jasmine, referring to the species's Jasmine-like fragrance. |
Landscaping Features
| Landscaping | This free-flowering species is grown for its large, fragrant flowers and variegated leaves. The variegated leaves provide a contrast in colour next to green foliage plants and help to brighten partly shady areas. It is suitable for container plantings and makes an attractive specimen plant. Avoid planting several types of fragrant flowering shrubs together or too many of them together as the aromas could clash or become too strong. |
|---|---|
| Desirable Plant Features | Ornamental Flowers, Fragrant (Flowers), Ornamental Foliage |
| Landscape Uses | Parks & Gardens, Small Gardens, Flowerbed / Border, Container Planting |
| Thematic Landscaping | Fragrant / Aromatherapy Garden |
Fauna, Pollination and Dispersal
| Fauna Pollination Dispersal Associated Fauna | Butterfly-Attracting |
|---|---|
| Pollination Method(s) | Biotic (Fauna) |
Plant Care and Propagation
| Light Preference | Full Sun |
|---|---|
| Water Preference | Moderate Water |
| Rootzone Tolerance | Moist Soils, Well-Drained Soils |
| Propagation Method | Stem Cutting |
Foliar
| Foliage Retention | Evergreen |
|---|---|
| Mature Foliage Colour(s) | Green, White |
| Mature Foliage Texture(s) | Glossy / Shiny |
| Prominent Young Flush Colour(s) | Green, White |
| Young Flush Texture(s) | Glossy / Shiny |
| Foliar Modification | Stipule |
| Foliar Type | Simple / Unifoliate |
| Foliar Arrangement Along Stem | Opposite |
| Foliar Attachment to Stem | Petiolate |
| Foliar Shape(s) | Non-Palm Foliage |
| Foliar Venation | Pinnate / Net |
| Foliar Margin | Entire - Wavy / Undulate |
| Foliar Apex - Tip | Acute |
| Foliar Base | Acute |
| Leaf Area Index (LAI) for Green Plot Ratio | 4.5 (Shrub & Groundcover - Dicot) |
Floral (Angiosperm)
| Flower & Plant Sexuality | Bisexual Flowers |
| Flower Colour(s) | White |
|---|---|
| Flower Texture(s) | Smooth |
| Flower Grouping | Solitary |
| Flower Location | Terminal |
| Flower Symmetry | Radial |
| Individual Flower Shape | Tubular |
| Flowering Period | Free-Flowering |
Image Repository
Others
| Master ID | 731 |
|---|---|
| Species ID | 2026 |
| Flora Disclaimer | The information in this website has been compiled from reliable sources, such as reference works on medicinal plants. It is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment and NParks does not purport to provide any medical advice. Readers should always consult his/her physician before using or consuming a plant for medicinal purposes. |
