Gardenia ‘True Love’ is a compact evergreen shrub prized for its exquisite double white blooms and intoxicating fragrance. It forms a dense, rounded shape with glossy deep-green foliage that provides year-round structure and elegance in the garden. This variety is ideal for warm coastal climates such as South-East Queensland and thrives with regular moisture and good drainage. Perfect for use as a feature shrub, a fragrant garden border, or in decorative pots on patios and verandas where its perfume can be enjoyed daily.

Flowers

‘True Love’ produces abundant double white, rose-like blooms throughout the warmer months, generally from spring through autumn. The flowers are highly perfumed and long-lasting, creating a stunning display against the dark foliage. Regular deadheading encourages extended blooming and improved flower performance.

Foliage

Lush, glossy, deep-green leaves form a dense canopy, providing an excellent evergreen appearance. The foliage responds well to light shaping or clipping if a tighter form is desired. The contrast between rich green foliage and elegant creamy flowers adds a classic gardenia look.

Fruit

Occasional seed pods may form following flowering, although fruiting is not the primary ornamental feature of this variety.

Form & Size

A compact, rounded shrub typically growing to approximately 80cm – 1.2m high and 80cm wide in ideal conditions. Growth habit is modest and controlled, making it well-suited to pot culture or small garden spaces.

Growing Conditions

• Position: Full sun to part shade. Morning sun with afternoon protection is ideal in hotter locations.

• Climate: Best suited to subtropical and warm temperate climates, performing extremely well in Sunshine Coast and SEQ gardens.

• Soil: Prefers rich, well-draining, slightly acidic soil. Regular watering is essential, particularly in the warmer months.

• Fertiliser: Feed during spring and summer with a slow-release acid-lover fertiliser designed for gardenias, camellias, and azaleas.

• Mulching: Maintain an organic mulch layer to support root moisture and suppress weeds.

Uses

• Feature shrub near outdoor living spaces

• Mass planting along pathways or scented garden borders

• Excellent in decorative pots and containers

• Foundation planting or cottage garden design

• Fragrant addition to patios, verandas, or entrances

Maintenance

Gardenia ‘True Love’ performs best with consistent moisture and humidity. Avoid waterlogging or over-drying. Lightly prune after flowering to maintain shape and encourage fresh growth. Supplement iron or trace elements if leaves show yellowing (chlorosis), especially in alkaline soils. Avoid harsh lime-based products.

Notes

Gardenias appreciate protection from hot, drying winds and strong afternoon sun. For optimum flowering and fragrance, position near windows, seating areas, entrances, or outdoor eating spaces. Slight shade keeps blooms fresher for longer.

Companion Plants

Mix beautifully with other acid-loving ornamentals including:

• Azalea and Rhododendron cultivars

• Camellias (especially sasanqua types)

• Hydrangea

• Brunfelsia

• Trachelospermum jasminoides (Star Jasmine)

• Clivia or Liriope as understorey choices

These combinations help build a lush, fragrant and textural garden display

Common Name: Gardenia True Love

Botanical Name: Gardenia jasminoides ‘True Love’

Family: Rubiaceae

Origin: Asia (cultivar selection)