Gardenia jasminoides aka Gardenia

Gardenia jasminoides, also known as gardenia and cape jasmine, is an evergreen flowering plant native to parts of South-East Asia. It belongs to the coffee family Rubiaceae and can range in height from 30 centimetres to 3 metres. The plant has a rounded habit with dense branches and lanceolate-oblong leaves that are leathery, dark green, shiny, and slightly waxy. It is widely used in gardens in warm temperate and subtropical climates due to its shiny green leaves and heavily fragrant white summer flowers. Gardenia jasminoides has been cultivated in China for centuries and was introduced to English gardens in the 18th century. There are many horticultural varieties available, including compact shrubs with glossy green leaves and fragrant, double white flowers. While gardenias are high-maintenance and susceptible to insects and diseases, their remarkable scent makes them a beloved plant. They are often given as gift plants and can be grown indoors for a few months. The basic species has glossy green leaves and highly fragrant white flowers, while grafted plants on a Gardenia thunbergia rootstock are more vigorous with larger blooms but less cold tolerant.