So many of us yearn to grow gardenias – the fragrance of their shining white flowers is just so tempting and makes them wonderful . But frost often damages the flowers and most varieties will not take winters colder than . ‘Frostproof’ is the exception.
‘Frostproof’ is a bushy, evergreen shrub with shining dark green leaves that make the ideal background to show off the double, waxy white flowers. The individual flowers open in late spring and early summer, with a scattering of more flowers later in summer, and are up to 3in across. They develop rich, creamy tones as they mature.
With twice as many petals as most gardenias, the individual flowers last longer creating a more prolific display. Plus, the flowers really are what the name says - frost proof - so will not be damaged by any late frosts. Of course, there’s also that rich jasmine scent.
It’s like the popular ‘Kleim’s Hardy’ variety - but with the added bonus of double flowers. Gardenia ‘Frostproof’ prefers sunshine for all or most of the day, and will take full sun in warmer regions better than most gardenias. It flowers well in dry soils, but dislikes wet conditions.
Pruning is usually unnecessary, except perhaps to balance the shape of the plant. Mulch with bark or another weed-free organic material in fall. You can grow gardenia ‘Frostproof’ as an entrance plant, a foundation plant, and at the front of sunny borders.
In gardens colder than zone 7, grow in a container and move the plant i.
