Evergreen Shrub – August Beauty Gardenia

August beauty gardenia 

Botanical name: gardenia jasminoides ‘august beauty’ 

Beginner friendly?: yes

Average size at maturity: 5 ft in height with a spread of 3 ft 

Bloom time: spring – fall 

Hardy zone: zones 8-11

Flower color: white 

Foliage color: green 

Growth rate: grows no more than 18 inches per year 

Pruning instructions: prune to maintain desired shape and size when the spring blooming period ends, and again when the summer/fall blooming period ends if needed

Propagation methods: propagate with semi-new growth cuttings in the spring/early summer 

Landscape use: hedge, privacy screen, border, container plant 

Special features: fragrant blooms, long blooming periods, deer resistant, attracts pollinators 

Light needs: 4-6 hours of sun per day 

Watering instructions: keep soil consistently moist, but never soggy 

Fertilizing instructions : feed with a slow-release, acid-loving formula once a year in the early spring, before new growth begins to emerge 

Best time to plant: spring or fall 

Best type of soil: loam, clay 

Companion plants: ferns, azaleas, camellias, hostas, boxwoods

Toxicity level: toxic for pets if consumed, but non-toxic for humans 

Invasive species: no