
| Popular Name: Gardenia |
| Botanical Name and Pronunciation: Gardenia augusta (Gardenia jasminoides) (gar-DEEN-ee-a au-GUS-ta or az-min-OY-deez) |
| Common Name(s): Cape-Jasmine |
| Color(s): white, cream |
| Form and Size: The stems of gardenia are of various lengths up to 16 inches. The flowers are about 3 inches in diameter with waxy petals. |
| Vase Life: 1 – 3 days |
| Availability: year-round |
| Care Instructions: Remove any leaves at the bottom of the stem, cut under water and place in fresh water with flower food. Touch the flower as little as possible because the petals bruise very easily. |
| History and Usage: A member of the Rubiaceae (madder) family, gardenia originated in China. Its botanical and popular name comes from Dr. Alexander Garden (1730-1791). He was a Scottish physician and botanist who lived in South Carolina. The gardenia was at first thought to be an American plant, so it was named after Garden. |
| Points of Interest: Relatives of the gardenia include bouvardia, pentas and coffee. |
| Ethylene Sensitive: Yes |