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Overview
Gardenia jasminoides, commonly known as gardenia and cape jasmine, is an evergreen flowering plant in the coffee family Rubiaceae. It is native to the subtropical and northern tropical parts of the Far East. Wild plants range from 30 centimetres to 3 metres (about 1 to 10 feet) in height.
Updated by lebachungtdh@gmail.com · 10/15/2026
They have a rounded habit with very dense branches with opposite leaves that are lanceolate-oblong, leathery or gathered in groups on the same node and by a dark green, shiny and slightly waxy surface and prominent veins. With its shiny green leaves and heavily fragrant white summer flowers, it is widely used in gardens in tropical, subtropical, and warm temperate climates. It also is used as a houseplant in temperate climates.
Updated by lebachungtdh@gmail.com · 10/15/2026
It has been in cultivation in China for at least a thousand years, and it was introduced to English gardens in the mid-18th century. Many varieties have been bred for horticulture, with low-growing, and large, and long-flowering forms.
Updated by lebachungtdh@gmail.com · 10/15/2026
Life cycle
From seed to productStem cutting
Propagated by **stem cuttings**: take 10–15 cm semi-hardwood cuttings with 2–3 nodes and insert them in moist sand or soil in shade.
Rooting
Cuttings root within 2–4 weeks and new shoots break from the nodes.
Young plant growth
The plant blooms with **fragrant white flowers, May–July**; pollination is by insects and wind.
Flowering & harvest
Foliage dies back and reserves move into the underground storage organ; **orange-red ripe fruits picked September–November**.
Uses
- With its shiny green leaves and heavily fragrant white summer flowers, it is widely used in gardens in tropical, subtropical, and warm temperate climates.
- It also is used as a houseplant in temperate climates.
Habitat & conservation
It is native to the subtropical and northern tropical parts of the Far East.
Conservation
Cape jasmine has not been assessed by the IUCN Red List (NE). As a medicinal plant, it benefits from sustainable collection and propagation to protect wild genetic resources.
References
- 1Wikipedia – Gardenia jasminoides — Wikipedia,
- 2Kew POWO – Gardenia jasminoides — Plants of the World Online (Kew),
- 3Wikidata – Q1072101 — Wikidata,
