Name
Classifications and Characteristics
| Plant Division | Angiosperms (Flowering Seed Plants) |
|---|---|
| Plant Growth Form | Shrub |
| Lifespan (in Singapore) | Perennial |
| Mode of Nutrition | Autotrophic |
Biogeography
| Native Habitat | Terrestrial |
|---|---|
| Preferred Climate Zone | Tropical, Sub-Tropical / Monsoonal |
| Local Conservation Status | Non-native |
Description and Ethnobotany
| Growth Form | A low-growing shrub with horizontal branching, growing up to 60 cm tall and spreads up to 1.2 m wide. |
|---|---|
| Foliage | The leaves are small, elliptic to oval-shaped, grayish green with creamy white on the leaf edges. |
| Flowers | Double-petalled flowers are small (up to 2.5 cm in diameter) and very fragrant. |
| Cultivation | This plant blooms best under full sun but also tolerates partial shade. It grows best in well-drained soils (pH 5.5 - 6) and rich in compost. Mulch the plants with compost to prevent the soil from drying out. Fertilize plants regularly to promote blooming. |
| Etymology | The genus Gardenia is named after Dr. Alexander Garden, a doctor who studies on plants and animals. The specific epithet jasminoides means similar to Jasmine, by reference to the jasmine flower's fragrance. |
Landscaping Features
| Desirable Plant Features | Ornamental Flowers, Ornamental Foliage |
|---|---|
| Landscape Uses | Container Planting, Flowerbed / Border, General, Parks & Gardens, Small Gardens, Suitable for Roadsides |
| Thematic Landscaping | Fragrant / Aromatherapy Garden |
Fauna, Pollination and Dispersal
| Fauna Pollination Dispersal Associated Fauna | Butterfly-Attracting |
|---|---|
| Pollination Method(s) | Biotic (Fauna) |
Plant Care and Propagation
| Light Preference | Full Sun |
|---|---|
| Water Preference | Moderate Water |
| Plant Growth Rate | Moderate |
| Rootzone Tolerance | Fertile Loamy Soils, Moist Soils, Well-Drained Soils |
| Propagation Method | Stem Cutting |
Foliar
| Foliage Retention | Evergreen |
|---|---|
| Mature Foliage Colour(s) | Green, Cream / Off-White, White |
| Mature Foliage Texture(s) | Glossy / Shiny |
| Prominent Young Flush Colour(s) | Green, Cream / Off-White, White |
| Young Flush Texture(s) | Glossy / Shiny |
| Foliar Type | Simple / Unifoliate |
| Foliar Arrangement Along Stem | Opposite |
| Foliar Attachment to Stem | Petiolate |
| Foliar Shape(s) | Non-Palm Foliage (Elliptical, Oval) |
| Foliar Venation | Pinnate / Net |
| Foliar Margin | Entire, Entire - Wavy / Undulate |
| Foliar Apex - Tip | Acute, Acuminate |
| Foliar Base | Acute, Attenuate |
Non - Foliar and Storage
| Stem Type & Modification | Woody |
|---|
Floral (Angiosperm)
| Flower & Plant Sexuality | Bisexual Flowers |
| Flower Colour(s) | White |
|---|---|
| Flower Texture(s) | Smooth |
| Flower Grouping | Solitary |
| Flower Location | Terminal |
| Flower Symmetry | Radial |
| Individual Flower Shape | Tubular |
| Flowering Period | Free-Flowering |
Image Repository
Others
| Master ID | 33594 |
|---|---|
| Species ID | 8008 |
| Flora Disclaimer | The information in this website has been compiled from reliable sources, such as reference works on medicinal plants. It is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment and NParks does not purport to provide any medical advice. Readers should always consult his/her physician before using or consuming a plant for medicinal purposes. |
