'Frost Proof' Gardenia produces an abundance of sweetly fragrant, velvety, double white flowers in Spring through mid-Summer. Unlike some of the older, more finicky varieties, 'Frost Proof' Gardenias are unaffected by cold snaps, and thrive on neglect. They easily adapt to a variety of soill conditions and resist insects and disease. Upright, bushy habit, with narrow, elongated leaves. Excellent cut flower - the flowers last longer than older Gardenia varieties. Winner of the '2007 Garden Writers Best Plants Award'.

Height: 3' to 4' Landscape Usages: Landscape Beds, Foundation, Shrub Border, Containers / Planters, Outdoor Living Areas, Garden Pond, Hedges, Focal Point Specimen, Small Groups Sun Exposure: Full Sun, Mostly Sun, Partial Shade, Morning Sun Resistant To: Deer Resistant, Disease, Heat, Insect Soil Needs: Ammended Clay, Average, Well-Drained Water Needs: Low USDA Zones: 6, 7, 8, 9

Spread: 3' to 4' Attracts: Visual Attention Characteristics: Flower, Fragrance Fragrances: Fragrant Flowers Growth Rate: Moderate Colors: White Foliage Color: Green Seasons of Bloom: Spring Blooms, Early Summer Blooms Type: Shrub, Evergreen Theme Gardens: Japanese

Frost Proof Gardenia Feeding Instructions

Fertilize Summer-flowering shrubs in Spring (after new growth has begun to emerge), and again, if needed, in late Summer to early Fall with a well-balanced tree and shrub food or an organic plant food. When in dought as to how much fertilizer to apply, follow instructions on the product label.

Frost Proof Gardenia Pruning Instructions

This evergreen summer-flowering shrub requires no pruning. However, during any time of year it is okay to remove stray or broken branches, or shear to maintain a neater appearance or encourage another flush of blooms. Hard pruning, to reduce the size of the shrub, should be performed in late Winter; before new foliage has emerged. Hand-pruning, with sharp hand pruners, is recommended. Pruning with electric or gas-powered hedge trimmers can cause unsightly scarring of leaves.

Frost Proof Gardenia Pest Instructions

Several insects and diseases might show up on your gardenia. When a black "sooty mold" coats gardenia leaves in Summer or Fall, it is usually due to an infestation of insects such as aphids, mealybugs or whiteflies. These insects leave behind a trail of sticky residue on the leaves. The smut-like, sticky substance does not injure foliage, but can prevent sunlight from reaching the leaf, thereby reducing photosynthesis. In the event your gardenia becomes infested, spray plants 3 times at 10 day intervals with Malathion, or a product containing Neem oil. Make sure to spray the undersides of the leaves. Root rot can be a problem in poorly drained soils.