Gardenia is a surprisingly beautiful evergreen shrub with large, "stuffed" or, in another way, double flowers. A native of the southern hot regions, this beautiful exotic princess is presented in 250 species in the natural environment and is widely distributed among gardeners in more refined forms.
The appearance of the plant
Gardenia flowers grow in flowerpots small, reaching a height of a maximum of 50-60 cm. In nature, the trees can exceed 180 cm. The leaves are smooth, leathery-glossy, shiny, saturated green. The form is elongated, large - up to 10 cm long. Gardenia often collects its flowers in lush inflorescences from 5-6 cups (less often - 4). They happen to be single, but then large, from 5 cm or more in circumference. Their virgin white color looks extremely impressive, solemn, elegant, even, one might say, regally.
Gardenia flowers complement their charm with a delicate, very pleasant aroma, well felt indoors. You can decorate with the plant both living rooms and the kitchen, glazed, and in warm times, and
an open veranda or terrace. The classic combination of lush greenery and snowy whiteness, a certain element of solemnity allow the use of gardenia flowers to decorate banquet rooms, foyers, and office rooms. For these purposes, large containers for planting and large plant species are taken. Their flowering occurs in the summer-autumn period.
Gardenia: Care and Growth Conditions
As befits true beauties, a rather capricious and demanding flower is gardenia. How to care for her so that she is healthy and viable? Here there are secrets and nuances. We will stop on them. Firstly, with the onset of heat and stuffiness, the princess must be sprayed with water at room temperature, 4-6 times a day. Secondly, so that it does not resemble a wilted bush, flowers that have begun to turn yellow should be regularly removed. Just do not cut them off, but carefully cut them with scissors. To make the bush look neat, in spring, as soon as the active vegetative period begins, you need to cut the shoots, giving it the desired shape. All large-leaved indoor flowers need to be treated with a special polish. Gardenia care in this regard loves the same. She is also afraid of low temperatures, drafts and all sorts of other adverse aspects.
Some recommendations
The temperature regime for the plant should be in the range from +16 (minimum) to + 22 (maximum) degrees. If the air is hot, it is necessary to make it more humid, for example, by installing containers with water near the flowerpot. Yes, and it is better to put the flowerpot in a tray with liquid. He loves gardenia and a lot of light, but not the direct rays of the sun in the summer. Her leaves can get serious burns. And in winter, she will enjoy basking in direct light. The flower prefers water not cold, soft, boiled and settled. The earth in the pot should be moist in the hot season, but not swampy (the root system will rot). And if the soil is overdried, the plant will fade, dry. Gardenia does not tolerate high acidity, the norm for it is 5.5, this must be taken into account when fertilizing it with fertilizers. From time to time in spring and summer, be sure to fertilize the earth with potash impurities and preparations containing iron. Just do not overdo it: chemistry - it is chemistry. Transplanted bushes, as usual, in early spring. Propagated by cuttings. True, they start up the roots rather difficult and need additional phytostimulants.