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Frost Proof Gardenia
Frost Proof Gardenia
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Flowering Shrub

Frost Proof Gardenia

Will it grow where you live?

Zones 7-10

Size: 3 gallon
$50

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1-year guaranteeShips in 1–5 daysReal plant experts

From our farm to your front door

  • Shipped in its nursery pot, so the roots stay undisturbed
  • Soil secured so it stays put in transit
  • Packed so the plant stays steady on the way to you

At a glance

Leaves
Evergreen: keeps its leaves all year
Sunlight
Full Sun, Partial Sun, Partial Shade
Water
When the top 2–3" of soil is dry
Growth & size
Moderate-growing evergreen flowering shrub. Typically reaches approximately 3–5 feet tall and 3–4 feet wide at maturity.
Botanical name
Gardenia jasminoides 'Frostproof'
Hardiness
Zones 7-10
Tolerates
Heat tolerantHumidity tolerant
USDA zone map for Frost Proof Gardenia

Where it grows in the groundShaded areas are the zones where it can be planted outdoors.

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What customers are saying

Why customers love it

Healthy, well-rooted plants

Hand-selected and shipped in its nursery pot.

Delivered to your door

Skip the nursery trip. Very little car Tetris required.

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Ask us anything before or after planting.

1-year guarantee

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Care made simple

Plant it right once and it does the rest.

Sun
Full Sun, Partial Sun, Partial Shade

Pick the spot before you dig.

Water
When the top 2–3" of soil is dry

Water slowly and deeply. Check more often in its first summer.

Grows in
Zones 7-10

Enter your ZIP above to check your zone.

Your first year together

  1. 1Day 1

    Plant it, then water slowly until the whole root ball is soaked.

  2. 2First few weeks

    Keep the soil evenly moist while new roots settle in.

  3. 3First summer

    Water deeply during hot, dry spells.

  4. 4Next spring

    New growth starts. Feed as it wakes up.

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.
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.
Care guide

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.

Shipping & what's inside

Your plant ships in its nursery pot with the soil secured, packed so it stays steady on the way to you.

1-year guarantee

Every plant is covered by our 1-year guarantee. If something goes wrong, contact our team and we'll walk you through it.

Answered by Simply Trees plant experts
How big does the Frost Proof Gardenia get?
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.
How fast does the Frost Proof Gardenia grow?
Frost Proof Gardenia is considered a moderate-growing evergreen shrub and typically grows approximately 8–12 inches per year under favorable growing conditions.
Where is the best place to plant Frost Proof Gardenia?
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.
How far apart should I plant Frost Proof Gardenias?
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.
What is the coldest temperature Frost Proof Gardenia can tolerate?
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.
How fragrant are Frost Proof Gardenia flowers?
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.
Does Frost Proof Gardenia bloom more than once a year?
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.
Does Frost Proof Gardenia need acidic soil?
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.
Can Frost Proof Gardenia grow in containers?
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.
Why do homeowners love Frost Proof Gardenia?
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.
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