Gardenia Flower
Gardenias are a predominantly white flower most commonly recognised as being an integral part of a classical wedding bouquet. They are a sign of undisclosed love, and can hence be ideal flower to give to a secret crush or a friend who you wish was more than a friend.
They tell the one who receives that “you are lovely”. In Australia Gardenia are one of the most popular plants grown. Gardenias flourish in warmth and moisture climate and are not matched to be cultivated in cooler northern climates. While they flourish in moist environments, they can still be grown in temperate climates.
What does the Gardenia Symbolise?
Gardenias symbolize cleanliness, secret love and sugariness Gardenia’s can also be seen as a celebration of life, as they are traditionally the flower to give to a mother who’s recently given birth. Ironically, the leaves can be processed into a ‘gumpaste’ used to mold and design artificial plants and flowers.
Gardenia in Different Cultures
The plant is also called as Cape jasmine that is imported from Southern China. It is mainly known for their jasmine like perfume and snowy white flowers and in southern states, the evergreen shrub is the most loved.
This plant is really perfect to be planted outside the windows so that their scent can be enjoyed. It is dark green in color and has sleek leaves which have a nice fragrance. Gardenias are inhabitant of the subtropical regions of Africa, Australasia and Oceania southern Asia. It demands high moisture and bright light to flourish because these species are difficult to be cultivated. Some types of gardenias can be grown as house plants, and are common in Western households.
Gardenias are grown for their beautiful foliage and they make great cut flowers. The most liked and beautiful cultivated class is the Cape jasmine that is an inhabitant of China. In terms of usage and benefits, this flower is used as hedges, screens and ground covers. Many of the gardenia classes are strongly perfumed. Gardenias flowers can be seen during mid-spring to mid-summer say May and July. Gardenia produces a wooded fruit which has stiff, raw-boned seeds inside.
Practical uses for Gardenia Varieties
Like many flower oils, the Gardenia is a popular and fragrant floral oil which can be used for products such as candles and incense.
Growing and Gardening Gardenia Flowers
Gardenias should not be over watered; it should be fertilized with an acid-fertilizer. The most important thing to be kept in mind is that one should water the plant with root stimulator. If any air pockets are present, it should be removed. This plant needs high moisture. For the best results it should be planted in partial shade or full shade and in complete sun exposure.
Gardenia plants are award-winning for the physically powerful sweet perfume of their flowers. Some of the gardenia species are Tahitian gardenia, hawaiin gardenia, Australian gardenia, Japanese gardenia and south africian gardenia.
Gardenias are susceptible to some of the insects which most flowers are susceptible to, including aphids, whitflies, mealy bugs, spider mites, scale and thrips. The most excellent way to look after any plant from pests is to keep it well and put off congestion.
In order to grow well the flower needs high levels of humidity. And an organic and well drained soil is needed for them. The plant should get full sun and shade is also necessary. One should ensure that the flowers are not over watered and are fertilized well using an acidic fertilizer. Bud drop, is a common disease in these and should be watched out for and care should be taken to avoid it. Gardenias are high up to 2 to 8 feet and blossom in the early period in the mid-spring and into late summer.
You can purchase a nice bunch of these flowers at $39 to $150.
Pictures of Gardenia
