
Gardenias are evergreen shrubs which can grow from two to twenty feet or more in height in their natural habitat. The leaves are glossy, dark green growing from about one to ten inches long depending on the species. Gardenia flowers are white or yellow in color and develop either a single or a cluster of blossoms. The flowers of many species are known for their intoxicating sweet scent.
Gardenia taitensis, also called Tahitian Gardenia and Tiare Flower, is one of only a few plants indigenous to Polynesia. This evergreen tropical shrub can grow as tall as twelve feet. The flowers are white, composed of five to nine petals and very fragrant.Inhabitants of Polynesia use these highly fragrant flowers as necklaces. These floral necklaces are called "Ei" on the Cook Islands, "Hei" on Tahiti and "Lei" on Hawaii.On some Pacific islands wearing these gardenia flowers indicates one's relationship status. When the flower is worn on the right ear, the person is available. When the flower is worn on the left ear, the person is taken.
The flowers of Gardenia taitensis are used to make Monoi Tiare Tahiti, which is a perfume oil, by infusing the flowers in coconut oil. This process is called "Enfleurage". The process uses odorless fats that are solid at room temperature to capture the fragrant compounds released by plants.In addition, the flowers are also used in highly priced perfumes, like Tiare by Ormonde Jayne and Tiare by Chantecaille.Other popular Gardenia species include Gardenia brighamii, Gardenia cornuta and Gardenia nitida, to name a few.
Gardenia plants prefer partial sun and should be protected from the hot afternoon sun during the summer months. They grow and flower well under grow lights where night temperatures should not go below 60 to 65 degrees which translates to 15 to 18 degrees Celsius.
No fuss, no muss. And you can get up close and personal with your Gardenia, you can eat your Gardenia, and there will be nothing poisonous there to make you sick. I love that most of all. If you keep your Gardenia potted, it will most certainly dry out very quickly. Growing one of these is not like growing them indoors. The great outdoors is full of surprises, and these Gardenias do not take dry soil kindly. Watch it very carefully if you do that. I do believe however the fresh air is good for everyone after a winter indoors.