Crown Jewel Gardenia
Gardenia jasminoides (gar-DEEN-ya jaz-min-OY-deez)
‘Crown Jewel’ gardenia is a woody, evergreen, broadleaf perennial in the Rubiaceae (coffee) family. This gardenia is compact, cold hardy, and gorgeous. It is the product of a formal plant breeding project out of Siler City, NC. ‘Crown Jewel’ combines the best traits from its parents, ‘Kleim's Hardy' and ‘Chuck Hayes.' The hybrid has the 'Kleim's Hardy' dwarf size and prolific flowering, and the cold hardiness and double bloom of 'Chuck Hayes.' It is winter hardy—with protection—to zone 6, which is exceptional for gardenias. ‘Crown Jewel’ has an attractive, dark green foliage on a plant that will grow only 2 to 3 feet in height and 5 feet in width. It has a prostrate form. Grow ‘Crown Jewel’ in a sunny, well-drained area in acidic soil enriched with organic matter. Propagate by layering, seed, or stem cuttings. In summer, white, intensely sweet, fragrant flowers will bloom on both old and new wood. Use ‘Crown Jewel' as a foundation plant, along a walkway or patio, or in a mass planting to create a low hedge. It is recommended for Asian gardens, gardens for the blind, nighttime gardens, and pollinator gardens. Bees, moths, and songbirds are attracted to this plant. Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: No significant problems. The Clemson Cooperative Extension Home and Garden Information Center has a factsheet on common gardenia diseases and other problems. VIDEO Created by Elizabeth Meyer for "Trees, Shrubs and Conifers," a plant identification course developed in partnership with Longwood Gardens. More information on Gardenia jasminoides .
Source: NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox ↗ NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox, 53 attributes.
How it fits the guild