Gardenia plants give gardens that fresh white tropical look. The fragrance of gardenia flowers feeds the senses with their intoxicating scent that transports gardeners to a scenic tropical island somewhere in the South Pacific.
Gardenia is a genus of flowering plants comprised of about 142 species belonging to the family of Rubiaceae. Gardenia plants are indigenous to the tropical and subtropical areas of Africa, Asia and Australia.
Gardenia flowers are white or yellow in color and develop either a single or a cluster of blossoms. The flowers of many species are known for their intoxicating sweet scent.
Gardenia jasminoides, also known as Gardenia grandiflora, originated in Asia. It is considered a difficult plant to take care of.
Gardenia taitensis, also called Tahitian Gardenia and Tiare Flower, is one of only a few plants indigenous to Polynesia.
Other popular Gardenia species include Gardenia brighamii, Gardenia cornuta and Gardenia nitida, to name a few.