Gardenia thunbergia

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Botanical Name

Gardenia thunbergia

Family

Rubiaceae - The gardenia and coffee family.

Pronunciation

gar-DEEN-ya thun-BER-jee-uh

Common Name(s)

white gardenia, forest gardenia, wild gardenia; witkatjiepiering, buffelsbal; umKhangazi (Xhosa); umValasangweni, umKhwakhwane (Zulu)

Plant Group

Shrub A woody plant of relatively low height, having several stems arising from the base and lacking a single trunk; a bush.

Plant Size

Very large

Tree Over 25m

Shrub Over 4m

Perennial/ground cover Over 1m

Bulb Over 1.2m

Succulent 1.5m to 2m
Medium to Large

Tree 15m to 20m

Shrub 2m to 3m

Perennial/ground cover 60cm to 75cm

Bulb 60cm to 1m

Succulent 60cm to 1m

Position

Canopy Shade Canopy shade is found below closely grown trees where some light filters through. Ideal for the protection of herbaceous plants.
Light or Dappled Shade Found below trees with sparse, open foliage. Ideal for the protection of herbaceous plants.
Partial Shade The area is in shade for part of the day and in full sun for part of the day.
Sun The area is in full sun for all or most of the day, all year round.

General Information

Attractive fruits, berries or seeds Brightly coloured fruits or berries increase and extend the visual impact of the plant and are especially attractive to birds and other small wildlife.
Drought Tolerance: Medium The plant is moderately adapted to arid conditions and can survive short periods of drought and high temperatures without extra water.
Evergreen Plants that have leaves all year round.
Fragrant / Aromatic These plants posses a strong, usually pleasant odour.
Frost: Half-hardy The plant is able to survive low temperatures and some frost but requires protection against severe frost.
Water Loving Plants need a regular supply of water and must not be allowed to dry out for any length of time.
Water Moderate These plants will need some extra watering compared to water-wise plants. Plant them together, in at least some shade and in a convenient proximity to the house so that grey water can be utilised during times of drought.

Specific Information

The tropical looking flowers are strongly perfumed, notably at night. The fruits are egg-shaped, about the size of a child's fist, and are tough and fibrous. In the past in their natural habitat they were eagerly eaten by elephants and other animals, but not having this method of seed dispersal the fruits can remain on the plant for years.

Flowers

Description

trumpet

Season

Summer Plants will seldom bloom for the entire season as given in the list, but should flower during a period within these parameters.

Colour

cream

Growth Rate

Slow Specifying growth rate can be very misleading as there is considerable variation of growth rate depending on type and species of plant, available water, supplementary feeding, mulching and general care, as well as the plants suitability and adaptability to the garden environment.

Plant Uses

Attracts bees and other insects This plant attracts insects which can be food for birds or other creatures in your garden.
Attracts Birds This plant will attract birds.
Boundary A plant useful for planting around the edges of the property to form a green or colourful backdrop, an impenetrable hedge, to hide walls or create privacy.
Container Trees, shrubs and ornamental species that can adapt to growing in a restricted environment.
Filler Either a fast growing tree or shrub used temporarily to fill in an area while the permanent plants grow to a desired size, or a plant used to fill gaps in borders or beds.
Suitable for bonsai A shrub or tree that lends itself to being dwarfed.
Suitable for smaller gardens Such plants do not have invasive root systems, remain small or controllable and can often be grown in containers.
Wild Garden An indigenous garden planted for the benefit of wildlife and birds. Provides food, water, a variety of mini-biomes and no poisonous chemicals are used.
Windbreak Trees planted in a row to form protection from prevailing winds by breaking the force of the wind, thereby reducing wind damage.

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Distribution

along the coast from Grahamstown in the Eastern Cape to Kosi Bay in the north of KwaZulu-Natal, in evergreen forest and forest margins, less often in woodland and bushveld

Planting Suggestions

Gardenia thunbergia grows best in slightly acid, organic rich, well-drained soil with regular deep watering. Mulch thickly and regularly. It may be pruned after flowering or just before the new growth appears to keep it neat, or in scale with its container.

Medicinal Uses

The roots are reportedly used to treat skin diseases, skin lesions caused by leprosy and as an emetic against fever. The rootbark is used to treat biliousness and gall bladder complications. The roots and leaves are used to treat syphilis, and the latex is used as a purgative.

Availability