PlantFiles: Gardenia, Cape Jasmine, Gandharaj
Gardenia jasminoides 'Grif's Select'

I am in Wilmington, Delaware (Zone 7a) which is north of typical gardenia growing areas. I have tried several "hardy" varieties but "Grif's Select" has done the best for me. After the cold winter of 2008/2009, my "Grif's Select" Gardenia was still 90% green by spring. I have it planted in a sheltered location with southern exposure but some of my other "hardy" gardenias had similar micro-climates and did not do as well.

I purchased it from Gardens OyVey and followed their instructions for incorporating shredded pine bark and humus into my clay soil. My plant has acclimated nicely using their techniques.

One last thing about "Grif's Select" - it gets fairly large compared to some gardenias. 4 feet high and wide is not unusual.

I bought Grif's Select at the nursery when I saw it advertised as cold hardy in my zone. Most Gardenias aren't. However, this little shrub isn't doing well at all despite good soil, full sun, and regular watering. I'm going to try to revive the little guy this year and wrap it up next winter. If anyone has any tips, please post.