PlantFiles: Gardenia
Gardenia jasminoides 'Fragrant Pathways'

I purchased 4 of this plant as park seed suggested to perfume the entrance to the house calling it I believe a heavenly scent. At first blush the blooms smell somewhere between an overripe jasmine flower and a crushed beetle, a very pungent smell, almost a formic smell. Not very pleasant...However It may, when placed out in the sun and with some growth turn out to be different but so far I am disappointed in the scent of this plant which is its main feature.
As an example I have had honeysuckle, lornica for five years now and it has just this year begun to have a wonderful scent. I live in zone 6 and plan on overwintering the jasmine indoors and hope for a better experience next summer. The tiny foliage is very pretty and compact so as a ground cover it might do fine.

This gardenia is being touted as a ground cover gardenia because it reaches only 8-10" high. This sport of 'Radicans' was developed at Gilbert's Nursery in Chesnee, SC. Reputed to be VERY fragrant.