Gardenia ‘Ocean Pearl’
Don looked at an old fashioned variety of gardenia that’s been re-released recently with a new name. Like most gardenias, ‘Ocean Pearl’ has beautiful, fragrant white flowers.
The only exception is a variety called ‘Golden Magic’ with perfumed white flowers which deepen to a rich golden colour as they age.
Plant details
Common name: Gardenia ‘Ocean Pearl’
Botanic name: Gardenia ‘Ocean Pearl’ (formerly Gardenia augusta ‘Veitchii’)
Description: Dense, low growing shrub to 0.5m (20″) tall, with glossy green leaves and white, perfumed flowers.
Best climate: Gardenias are warm climate plants which are at their best in frost free areas north of Sydney and Perth. They will grow in Adelaide and Melbourne in a warm spot. In areas with cold winters flower buds often fail to open over the cooler months. Flowering will resume with the warm weather.
Uses:
mass planting perfumed garden low hedge pots flowers can be used for posies or buttonholes
Good points:
fragrant and beautiful creamy white flowers from spring to autumn lush, shiny green leaves attractive, evergreen small shrub
Downside:
Gardenias suffer from a few problems including yellowing of the leaves, scale and mealy bugs. As stressed plants are most likely to be effected, make sure your gardenia is well watered and fertilised regularly.
Care:
Gardenias like slightly acidic, cool, moist, well-drained soil. Plant in part shade in hot or tropical climates. In cooler areas plant in full sun and protect from frost. Water well, particularly from spring to summer when the plant is flowering, and protect the root system with a mulch. Feed with a complete fertiliser in early spring.
Getting started:
Potted plants are readily available at nurseries, particularly during spring and early summer when gardenias are in flower. Plants in 200mm (8″) pots cost around $16.