My Fragrant Hedge 2 : Gardenia sp. varigata

[angel]

The second plant in the mixed hedge is the gardenia. The one I have has glossy variegated leaves, white marks on green. Makes it stand out from the big sampaguita beside it. The solid green leaves in the bottom photo belong to the sampaguita.

Very double creamy white flowers with good substance perfume the air with a sweet scent that reminds me of bubblegum. It's my favorite scent among the flowers in the hedge. Fragrant all day and all night.

[delphiguy]

Nice one Angel, I love the variegation on the leaves too.

[angel]

Thanks Randy. The regular one with pure green leaves would look like the sampaguita when not in bloom. That's why I opted for the variegated variety.

[Paph]

Nice, really nice. Have you ever thought about the hedge of orchids? I think you have all conditions...

[pavel]

Beautiful! The big box stores around here often get the standard gardenias in but they aren't known for dealing well with warm dry winter air indoors.

[Molly Taco]

I love gardenias, Your variegated one is lovely.

[Brutal_Dreamer]

Gardenia bushes are so wonderful with their strong perfume. My grandmother had a beautiful one at her home when I was a child. Every time I smell the gardenia fragrance I am transported back to some wonderful memories of staying with her. Thanks for sharing these photos. I really need to get one of these and plant it here in my yard. I think they will grow here in Arkansas, but it might get to cold for them in the winter. I'm not sure. hmmm?

Love the variegated variety. I have never see it before.

Cheers,
BD

[angel]

I am glad that these photos bring back precious memories for you Bruce. Gardenias are old fashioned plants and I did notice that they don't occur in local gardens as much as they used too. The same is true of the Philippine jasmine. That's one reason why I decided to plant them in my garden to keep them around now that they are "disappearing".
The varigata is not that common. However, sometimes I still prefer the one with solid green leaves since the solid color sets off the white blooms better.

[angel]

thank you Branka. A hedge of orchids??? Well, that may need a lot of tree trunks as anchors. But it's something to consider, now that you've given me that idea.

[angel]

Thank you Pavel and Cin.

Wouldn't know much about gardenia indoors Pavel. Here in the tropics, we take plants indoors mostly for ornamental purposes for 5 days at a time or so.