Gardenias are prized for their glossy green leaves, creamy white blooms, and strong, sweet fragrance. They add an elegant, timeless look to backyards and are often grown near patios, walkways, or entrances where their scent can be fully enjoyed. Whether planted in the ground or in containers, gardenias bring a touch of luxury to any outdoor space.
These flowering shrubs prefer warm temperatures, partial to full sun, and acidic, well-draining soil. While they require a bit more care than some flowers, healthy gardenias reward gardeners with stunning blooms and a rich fragrance that’s hard to beat. Many varieties are also surprisingly hardy and well-suited for backyard growing.
With a wide range of sizes and growth habits, from compact shrubs to larger landscape plants, it’s easy to find a gardenia variety that fits your space and climate. Below are some of the best gardenia varieties you can grow in your backyard.
1. August Beauty Gardenia
August Beauty gardenia is a popular variety known for its large, double white blooms and strong, sweet fragrance. It blooms from late spring through summer, often producing repeat flowers throughout the season. This variety grows into a medium to large shrub and works well as a foundation plant or flowering hedge.
August Beauty prefers partial to full sun and acidic, well-draining soil. Once established, it is fairly low-maintenance and rewards gardeners with long-lasting blooms and glossy evergreen foliage.
2. Mystery Gardenia
Mystery gardenia produces very large, double white flowers with an intense fragrance. The blooms appear from late spring into summer and stand out beautifully against the plant’s dark green leaves. This variety has a fuller, upright growth habit, making it a strong focal plant in the landscape.
Mystery gardenia thrives in warm climates with morning sun and afternoon shade. It prefers consistently moist, acidic soil and benefits from protection from harsh afternoon sun in hotter regions.
3. Radicans Gardenia
Radicans gardenia is a low-growing, spreading variety with small, fragrant white blooms. It flowers in late spring and early summer and is often used as a ground cover, border plant, or container plant due to its compact size.
This variety is ideal for gardeners with limited space or those looking to fill in garden edges. Radicans prefers partial sun and well-draining, acidic soil and is easier to manage than larger gardenia varieties.
4. Veitchii Gardenia
Veitchii gardenia is valued for its extended blooming period and classic white, double flowers. It often blooms from late spring through fall, providing long-lasting fragrance and visual interest. The plant has a neat, compact growth habit and glossy evergreen foliage.
Veitchii performs well in containers or small garden spaces. It prefers partial sun, protection from extreme heat, and consistently moist soil. This variety is a good choice for patios or near entryways where its fragrance can be enjoyed.
5. Kleim’s Hardy Gardenia
Kleim’s Hardy gardenia is known for its increased cold tolerance compared to many other gardenia varieties. It produces single white blooms with a strong fragrance in late spring and early summer. The flowers contrast nicely with its deep green leaves.
This variety is a great option for gardeners in cooler climates who still want to grow gardenias outdoors. Kleim’s Hardy prefers full sun to partial shade and well-draining, acidic soil, and it holds up well in landscapes with mild winters.
6. Crown Jewel Gardenia
Crown Jewel gardenia is a compact, low-growing variety with double white blooms and a strong, classic gardenia fragrance. It blooms in late spring and often produces repeat flowers through the summer. Its dense growth habit makes it ideal for borders, small gardens, and containers.
This variety is more cold-hardy than many gardenias and performs well in partial to full sun. Crown Jewel prefers acidic, well-draining soil and benefits from regular watering during dry periods.
7. Frost Proof Gardenia
Frost Proof gardenia is known for its improved cold tolerance and reliable blooming. It produces medium to large, fragrant white flowers from late spring into summer. The plant has a sturdy, upright growth habit and maintains its shape well throughout the season.
This variety is well-suited for gardeners in cooler regions. Frost Proof prefers full sun to partial shade and well-draining, acidic soil. Once established, it is relatively low-maintenance and dependable.
8. Jubilation Gardenia
Jubilation gardenia features abundant, double white blooms with a sweet fragrance. It blooms heavily in late spring and early summer and may rebloom lightly later in the season. This variety has a compact, rounded growth habit that works well in both garden beds and containers.
Jubilation thrives in partial sun and acidic soil with good drainage. Its manageable size and reliable performance make it a popular choice for home landscapes.
9. Heaven Scent Gardenia
Heaven Scent gardenia produces soft white blooms with an intense fragrance that lives up to its name. The flowers appear in late spring and early summer and stand out against glossy evergreen foliage. This variety grows into a medium-sized shrub with a neat, attractive form.
Heaven Scent prefers morning sun and some afternoon shade, especially in warmer climates. Consistent moisture and acidic soil help support healthy growth and strong blooming.
10. Aimee Yashioka Gardenia
Aimee Yashioka gardenia is known for its very large, double white flowers and strong fragrance. The blooms often appear earlier than many other gardenia varieties, making it a standout in late spring gardens. Its bold flowers make it an excellent focal plant.
This variety prefers partial sun and protection from harsh afternoon heat. Aimee Yashioka grows best in well-draining, acidic soil and benefits from regular watering during bloom periods.
11. Belmont Gardenia
Belmont gardenia produces large, double white blooms with a rich, classic fragrance. The flowers appear in late spring and early summer and stand out beautifully against the plant’s glossy green foliage. This variety grows into a full, rounded shrub and works well as a landscape feature or foundation plant.
Belmont prefers partial to full sun and acidic, well-draining soil. It performs best when protected from harsh afternoon sun and appreciates consistent moisture during the growing season.
12. Chuck Hayes Gardenia
Chuck Hayes gardenia is a cold-hardy variety that produces single white blooms with a strong fragrance. It blooms in late spring and early summer and is known for its toughness and reliability in cooler climates. The flowers have a simple, classic look that appeals to traditional gardeners.
This variety thrives in full sun to partial shade and well-draining, acidic soil. Chuck Hayes is a great option for gardeners who want a hardy gardenia that can tolerate occasional cold snaps.
13. First Love Gardenia
First Love gardenia is prized for its early blooming habit and soft, creamy white flowers. The blooms often appear earlier in the season than many other gardenias, adding fragrance and beauty to spring gardens. The plant has a neat, upright growth habit.
This variety prefers partial sun and consistently moist, acidic soil. First Love is ideal for gardeners who want early-season blooms and a more refined, elegant gardenia look.
14. Buttons Gardenia
Buttons gardenia is a compact variety that produces small, button-like double white blooms. Despite their smaller size, the flowers are highly fragrant and bloom in late spring and early summer. The plant’s dense growth habit makes it well-suited for containers and small garden spaces.
Buttons prefers partial sun and well-draining, acidic soil. Its manageable size and charming blooms make it a popular choice for patios, walkways, and entry gardens.
15. Summer Snow Gardenia
Summer Snow gardenia features large, double white blooms and glossy evergreen foliage. It blooms from late spring into summer and offers a full, lush appearance in the landscape. The flowers are highly fragrant and hold up well throughout the season.
This variety grows best in partial sun and acidic, well-draining soil. Summer Snow works well as a hedge, foundation plant, or focal shrub and is a great choice for gardeners wanting a bold, classic gardenia.
