Daisy Duke™ Gardenia

Light Needs

Partial Sun to Full Sun

(At Least 5 Hours of Direct Sunlight)

Mature Height

18-24 Inches

Mature Spread

2-3 Feet

Growing Zones

6 to 9

Daisy Duke™ Gardenia (Gardenia augusta ‘RLH-GA1’ PP30894) brings classic Southern fragrance to gardens colder than most gardenias can handle. This compact evergreen forms a dense mound about 18 to 24 inches tall and 2 to 3 feet wide, making it ideal for smaller landscapes and patio plantings. In late spring and early summer, large single white blooms open above glossy dark green foliage, each flower carrying the rich, jasmine-like scent gardenias are known for. Unlike older, tender varieties, this selection shows improved cold tolerance into Zone 6 and holds its foliage well through winter. In our trial beds, it has delivered consistent flowering and strong leaf retention without the finicky behavior many gardeners expect from gardenias.

Native to East Asia, Gardenia augusta has long been prized for perfume and evergreen structure. As an improved variety, Daisy Duke™'s naturally rounded habit requires little shaping, and the single blooms drop cleanly after fading, so constant deadheading is unnecessary. It performs well as a low hedge, foundation accent, or specimen near an entry where the fragrance can be appreciated. This variety is deer resistant and heat tolerant once established, and it pairs beautifully with other acid-loving shrubs in woodland or cottage-style gardens. Container growing is also an excellent option for terraces and small urban spaces.

Daisy Duke™ Gardenia Care

Plant Daisy Duke™ in a location with morning sun and light afternoon shade for best flowering. In cooler climates, several hours of direct sun are important for bud formation. Provide humus-rich, well-drained soil with an acidic pH between 5.0 and 6.0. Amend heavy soils with composted pine bark or peat-based materials to improve drainage and acidity. Keep soil consistently moist but not saturated, watering when the top inch begins to dry. Feed in early spring with a fertilizer formulated for acid-loving plants, and avoid late-season feeding that may encourage tender growth before winter.

Pruning is minimal. After the main flowering flush, lightly trim or shape if needed, using thinning cuts rather than heavy shearing. Avoid cutting in late summer or fall, since flower buds form on new growth soon after blooming. In colder parts of Zone 6, apply a layer of mulch around the root zone before winter. Container plants should be protected from prolonged freezing or moved to a sheltered location.

Daisy Duke™ Gardenia Spacing

Space plants about 3 feet apart when creating a low hedge or mass planting. For individual accents, allow 2 to 3 feet of open space so the rounded form can develop fully. Choose a container at least 14 to 16 inches wide with large drainage holes. In mixed containers, combine with shade-tolerant companions such as variegated liriope, trailing ivy, or compact ferns that share similar moisture and acidic soil preferences, leaving room for airflow around the foliage.

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