Gardenia jasminoides
Light: Bright filtered light or gentle early-morning sun; protect from midday and afternoon sun, reflected heat, and hot winds.
Water: Keep the root zone evenly moist but never waterlogged. Check containers daily during extreme heat; water when the surface begins to dry. Reduce watering in winter and use rainwater or low-alkalinity water when available.
Soil: Rich, acidic, well-drained soil with a pH of about 5.0–6.0. An acidic potting mix in a well-drained container is usually more practical than Phoenix’s alkaline native soil.
Mature size: Typically maintained at 3–6 feet tall and 2–4 feet wide in containers; ultimate size varies with cultivar, training, and pruning.
Bloom: Main bloom season is spring through early summer; some cultivars repeat into fall. Extreme heat and moisture stress can reduce flowering.
Evergreen / deciduous: Evergreen.
Growth rate: Slow to moderate; slower under Phoenix heat or alkaline-soil stress.