Frost Proof Gardenia

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1 gallon, 6"
3 gallon, 8 to 10"
5 gallon, 10 to 12"
7 gallon, 14"
10 gallon, 15 to 17"
15 gallon, 17"
"Jumbo", 7 or 10 or 15 gallon

*Nursery gallon sizes are trade sizes and do not equal standard liquid gallons

**Pot sizes in inches refer to container width (diameter), not plant or pot height.


Please Note: Sizing can differ between plant varieties and growers. Please chat with us if you need clarification.

For more information on sizing, please see our guide.

Frost Proof Gardenia is an evergreen flowering shrub loved for its fragrant white blooms, glossy green foliage, and improved cold tolerance. Blooming from late spring into summer, it fills the landscape with one of the most recognizable floral fragrances while providing year-round evergreen beauty. Its compact size and dependable performance make it an excellent choice for foundation plantings, borders, containers, and fragrant gardens.

  • Botanical name: Gardenia jasminoides ‘Frostproof’
  • Bloom time: Late spring through summer
  • Evergreen
  • Grown in the USA

SUNLIGHT:
Prefers full sun to partial shade.

WATER:
Water when the top 2–3 inches of soil begin to dry. Approximately once or twice per week during establishment, then as needed to maintain evenly moist soil. Watering frequency may vary based on climate, soil type, rainfall, and establishment phase.

IDEAL CLIMATE:
Hardy in USDA Zones 7–10. Frost Proof Gardenia thrives in warm climates with well-draining, slightly acidic soil and performs beautifully in foundation plantings, borders, containers, and fragrant gardens.

Note: Frost Proof Gardenia is more cold tolerant than many traditional gardenias, but it still performs best when protected from prolonged hard freezes.

PLANT DESCRIPTION & MATURE SIZE

The Frost Proof Gardenia, scientifically known as Gardenia jasminoides ‘Frostproof’, is an evergreen flowering shrub prized for its fragrant white blooms, glossy dark green foliage, and improved cold tolerance. Blooming from late spring into summer, this beautiful gardenia fills the landscape with a sweet, classic fragrance while adding year-round evergreen beauty. Its compact size and reliable flowering make it an excellent choice for foundation plantings, borders, containers, and fragrant gardens.

GROWTH RATE & MATURE SIZE:

Moderate-growing evergreen flowering shrub. Typically reaches approximately 3–5 feet tall and 3–4 feet wide at maturity.

WATERING & SUNLIGHT

Water when the top 2–3 inches of soil begin to dry. Approximately once or twice per week during establishment, then as needed to maintain evenly moist soil once established. Frost Proof Gardenia prefers consistently moist, well-draining soil but should not remain overly wet. Watering frequency may vary based on climate, soil type, rainfall, and establishment phase.

Frost Proof Gardenia grows best in full sun to partial shade. In hotter climates, afternoon shade helps protect the foliage and encourages longer-lasting blooms.

PLANT CARE & PLANTING INSTRUCTIONS

PRUNING:
Prune immediately after flowering has finished to maintain shape and encourage healthy branching. Avoid heavy pruning later in the season, as flower buds for the following year develop on older growth.

FERTILIZING:
Feed with a fertilizer formulated for acid-loving plants in spring and again in early summer if desired. Avoid fertilizing for the first 2–3 months after delivery to allow the plant to adjust and establish. Avoid overfertilizing, which can reduce flowering and encourage excessive foliage growth.

WINTER PROTECTION:
Frost Proof Gardenia is more cold hardy than many gardenia varieties but may benefit from mulch around the root zone during severe winter weather. Young plants may appreciate additional protection during unusually hard freezes.

PLANTING INSTRUCTIONS:

Plant Frost Proof Gardenia in a location with well-draining, slightly acidic soil and full sun to partial shade. Dig a hole approximately twice as wide as the rootball and no deeper than the rootball itself. Position the top of the rootball level with or slightly above the surrounding soil, backfill with native soil, water deeply after planting, and apply mulch around the base while keeping it a few inches away from the stems.

USDA GROW ZONE:

Zones 7-10

Frost Proof Gardenia thrives in warm climates with well-draining, slightly acidic soil. It is more cold tolerant than many traditional gardenia varieties, making it a reliable choice for landscapes throughout much of the South. While it tolerates brief periods of cold weather, it performs best in USDA Zones 7–10 where it can provide dependable flowering and year-round evergreen foliage.

Important: USDA Hardiness Zones only measure a plant's cold tolerance. They do not account for heat tolerance, humidity, rainfall, or other climate factors. Always consider your local growing conditions in addition to your USDA Zone when selecting plants.

Frequently Asked Questions

Frost Proof Gardenia typically grows about 3–5 feet tall and 3–4 feet wide at maturity, making it an excellent choice for foundation plantings, borders, low hedges, and decorative containers.

Frost Proof Gardenia is considered a moderate-growing evergreen shrub and typically grows approximately 8–12 inches per year under favorable growing conditions.

Frost Proof Gardenia grows best in well-draining, slightly acidic soil and full sun to partial shade. In hotter climates, afternoon shade helps protect the foliage and flowers. It is commonly planted near patios, entryways, foundation beds, and walkways where its fragrance can be enjoyed.

For mature growth and good airflow, plant Frost Proof Gardenias approximately 3–5 feet apart, depending on how quickly you would like them to fill in.

Established Frost Proof Gardenias can typically tolerate brief periods of temperatures around 5°F to 10°F once fully established. While it is more cold hardy than many other gardenia varieties, young plants may benefit from protection during hard freezes, especially when temperatures drop into the single digits.

Frost Proof Gardenia is prized for its intensely fragrant white blooms, producing the classic sweet gardenia fragrance that has made gardenias a favorite in southern gardens for generations. Planting near patios, walkways, or entryways allows you to enjoy the fragrance throughout the blooming season.

Frost Proof Gardenia typically has its heaviest bloom in late spring through early summer. Under favorable growing conditions, healthy plants may produce a lighter rebloom later in the growing season.

Yes. Frost Proof Gardenia grows best in slightly acidic, well-draining soil with a pH between approximately 5.0 and 6.5. Acidic soil helps the plant absorb nutrients efficiently, resulting in healthier foliage, better flowering, and fewer issues with yellowing leaves.

Yes. Frost Proof Gardenia grows well in containers as long as the pot has excellent drainage and is filled with a quality potting mix formulated for acid-loving plants. Container-grown plants may require more frequent watering and occasional fertilizing than those planted in the ground.

Homeowners love Frost Proof Gardenia for its intensely fragrant white flowers, glossy evergreen foliage, improved cold tolerance, and compact size. It’s a beautiful choice for patios, entryways, foundation plantings, and outdoor living spaces where its classic gardenia fragrance can be enjoyed throughout the blooming season.

More Details

We process and ship your order as quickly as possible, typically within 1-3 business days. You will receive a shipping confirmation with tracking information once your item(s) ship.

We have perfected packaging and shipping plants & trees! That is why we DO NOT use any third-party fulfillment like most other online retailers. Your trees go straight from our farm to your door, safely packaged by our team of seasoned professionals. Our process ensures your plants leave our facility and arrive to your door in the best condition possible!

In cases of extreme cold or hot weather, we may temporarily delay shipping to ensure the well-being of your plants. Our primary focus is on delivering healthy and thriving plants to you. Rest assured, we'll make every effort to notify you of any delays promptly.

Please allow additional ship times during inclement weather and sale periods. We do not process or ship orders on the weekend or U.S. Holidays. Simply Trees is not responsible for delays due to carriers, local disruptions, or weather.

See how we pack your plants!

Learn more about our Shipping Policy

At Simply Trees, we're committed to your satisfaction. If your plants arrive considerably damaged or sustained damage beyond the point of recovery, please contact us within five days at sales@simplytrees.com with clear photos of the entire plant in question for assistance. Our 1 year guarantee covers issues after planting, subject to our terms. We can't cover plants in the wrong climate or with inadequate care, but we're here to help in other situations. For a detailed understanding of our 1 year guarantee and how we ensure a fair process, click here to learn more.

All California orders require a mandatory inspection by the Texas Department of Agriculture (yep, it’s a USDA thing!). These inspections happen about once a week—typically on Tuesdays, though the day can vary. If you place an order just after an inspection, your plant may not ship for several days until the next one. Unfortunately, we’re not able to expedite this part of the process.

Also, due to USDA regulations, we’re unable to ship oak trees, citrus or fruit trees (except olive trees) to California. This rule helps prevent the spread of pests and diseases and applies to nurseries across the country.

Thanks for your patience—we’ll make sure it’s worth the wait.

What's inside?

Your order from Simply Trees is more than just a box of plants—it’s a carefully curated experience. Here’s what’s inside:

  • We hand-select our plants for premium-quality from top growers nationwide
  • Each plant is then cleaned, prepped, and pruned to remove any blemishes and encourage new growth
  • Expertly treated and inspected for preventative measure
  • The pot is wrapped in a durable plastic bag and secured with a zip tie; house plants get extra protection with a recyclable nursery bag. Some Jumbo plants may be carefully removed from their nursery pot and burlapped to protect the rootball and ensure safe transit.
  • Your plant is strapped into our durable double-pane boxes, secured in place with a heavy-duty zip tie to ensure safe transit
  • A thank you card with a QR code leads to our guide on welcoming your new plants home

We take pride in making sure every detail is just right, so you can enjoy your new greenery from the moment it arrives.

SUSTAINABLE SHIPPING, QUALITY CARE

We've perfected the art of packaging and shipping plants and trees! Unlike most online retailers, we handle everything in-house—no third-party fulfillment. Our experienced team carefully packages your plants to ensure they arrive from our farm to your door in perfect condition.