The Tahitian gardenia ( Gardenia taitensis ) is an evergreen plant , flowering , tropical shrub indigenous to Melanesia and Polynesia . It is the national prime of the Polynesian island country of Tahiti , where its flowers are use to concoct a perfumed coconut crude oil used for enhancive purposes . These fragrant prime are also traditionally used in the Pacific to make leis , or heyday necklace . Local Tahitian custom dictate that a gardenia blossom behind the left hand ear indicates being in a relationship , while one behind the correct ear announces being individual .
Step 1
Tahitian gardenia shrubs are members of the Coffee ( Rubiaceae ) family . These plants grow to heights of up to 13 feet . They carry glowering gullible , 2- to 6 - inch - long leaves that have the texture of glossy leather . During the year ’s warm months , simple , six- to eight - petaled , snow - white efflorescence emerge , emitting an intoxicant , gratifying scent .
Temperatures
Hailing from the horny islands of the tropic Pacific , the Tahitian gardenia thrive in hot climate . It is extremely sensitive to frost . temperature as modest as 30 degrees Fahrenheit may be survived for an extremely short clock time , yet longer exposure to below - freezing or nigh - freeze temperature could prove fateful . For best resultant role , keep this shrub in gentle wind temperatures above 50 degrees F. In the continental United States , hold on Tahitian gardenias warm twelvemonth - round outdoors is only possible in the southernmost regions of the land , such as southerly California and Florida . In cold clime , Tahitian gardenia may be grow in portable container and brought indoors in wintertime .
Step 2
Soil
Tahitian gardenia shrubs require soil with serious drainage and a gamey level of constituent issue , as is discover in their native environment . They also need acidic or neutral soil ( imply soil with a pH level of 7 or below ) . Alkaline territory , or territory with a pH above 7 , tends to cause Tahitian gardenia to produce nutrient lack . Iron want is often know , causing a deficiency of chlorophyl in the plant ’s leaves . The result of this process , called chlorosis , is sickly - looking , yellow leaves . If alkaline soil is harming your Tahitian gardenia , land may be made more acidic by adding such substances as iron sulphate , peat moss peat , elemental sulfur , acidifying nitrogen or atomic number 13 sulfate . These soil additives can be purchased at most garden provision stores . Tahitian gardenias also profit from a 3 - column inch bed of organic mulch , which aid in maintaining an even grime wet level .
Sun and Water
Tahitian gardenias enjoy inflammation weather ranging from full sun to fond shade . A regular , yet not inordinate , supply of water should be provided .
Salt and Wind Tolerance
One potency of Tahitian gardenias is their power to hold up extremely windy and salty conditions . This character makes them an idealistic ornamental plant life for warm , coastal landscape and garden .
Propagation
Tahitian gardenia bushes are easily propagated by cuttings . Cuttings lead during the summer are easiest to set up . Propagation by seed is also an option .
References
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