Grif's Select Hardy Gardenia – Extra Cold-Hardy Compact Fragrant White Bloomer (Gardenia jasminoides)

Think growing gardenias is out of reach? You may want to give this compact gardenia a try. Unlike most gardenia cultivars, Grif's Select is reported to be winter hardy to zone 6 with some protection. Plant near an entrance to your home or a patio and enjoy its 3" white, daisy-like flowers and intense fragrance. The flowers look stunning against the glossy, dark green, evergreen foliage, and showy red seed capsules, or hips, add to its attractiveness. An introduction from the late J.C. Raulston of North Carolina State University, Grif's Select is noted for its compact form, small leaves and winter hardiness. It prefers neutral to acidic soil. Most gardenia cultivars are winter hardy to zones 7 or 8. It was reportedly developed from seed obtained by Michael Dirr from the Beijing Botanic Garden. Gardenia 'Grif's Select' Height/Habit : 36 - 48 inches , Spread :36 - 48 inches Hardiness Zone : 6-10 Sun Exposure : Partial Shade Characteristics Gardenia jasminoides, commonly called common gardenia or cape jasmine, is native to southern China and Japan and is an evergreen shrub with thick, glossy, dark green leaves (to 4” long). It typically grows to 3-6’ tall. It is particularly noted for its extremely fragrant white flowers (to 3” diameter) and is often grown in double-flowered forms. Flowers bloom throughout the year in warm climates where temperatures do not dip below 60°F. In the St. Louis region, gardenias are grown as pot or larger container plants. They grow well in greenhouses and conservatories, but can also thrive when placed outdoors during the summer months and returned to moderate indoor temperatures in the fall. They are prized for their large, very fragrant flowers and are quite often given as gifts to gardening enthusiasts. Note: The plant is shipped in its pot, firmly secured with several layers of clear tape, thereby avoiding any shuffling and moving during transit. The plant reaches you with minimal damage- very safe and secure. We have been shipping plants like this for several years (plant are sometimes shipped in smaller pots for safety and ease of shipping). Most plants go dormant in fall and winter and will lose most of their leaves - looking dead and dry - very normal. They will flush out in spring. We cannot send ship some plants and some sizes to California due to restrictions placed by department of agriculture.