The August Beauty Gardenia Tree is a popular evergreen shrub known for its fragrant, white blooms and glossy evergreen foliage. The flowers bloom from spring through fall. It will appreciate a trimming after the flowering season to maintain its shape and promote new growth. It is a moderate-growing plant, reaching up to 5 feet tall and 3 feet wide. This decorative tree will thrive in full sun to partial shade and prefers well-draining, slightly-acidic moist soil, but never soggy!
How to care for August Beauty Gardenia Tree
Light. Full sun or partial shade both work. Long periods of deep shade reduce flowering.
Water. Water regularly for good flowering, in soil that drains well. Avoid softened water, salty well water and some reclaimed water.
Soil and feeding. Gardenias need acidic soil, pH 5.0–6.5; in alkaline soil and near concrete new leaves turn yellow. Feed with an acid-forming fertilizer such as FOXFARM Acid Loving Plants in February and October.
Size. Grows to about 5 ft, with large double flowers.
Pruning. Prune right after flowering stops. Hard pruning after October 1 cuts next year's flowers.
Problems to watch. Whiteflies, scale, mealybugs and aphids leave black sooty mold; spray Insecticidal Soap. Bud drop follows hot, dry spells, excess fertilizer or poor drainage.
Good to know. It does not tolerate salt spray or coastal sites. It is mildly poisonous if eaten, causing vomiting or diarrhea; keep pets from chewing it.
Sources: UF/IFAS EDIS CIR1098/EP338: Gardenias at a Glance · UF/IFAS Gardening Solutions: Gardenia · NC State Extension Plant Toolbox: Gardenia jasminoides
