When it comes to elegance in a garden or bouquet, few blooms stand out quite like gardenias. Their creamy white petals and sweet fragrance have captured the hearts of flower lovers for generations.
Whether you're planning to spruce up your space or send a thoughtful gift, understanding the different types of gardenia flowers can help you make a better choice. From classic varieties to more exotic ones, there's a gardenia for every taste and occasion.
1. Gardenia Jasminoides (Cape Jasmine)
This is arguably the most well-known variety of gardenia, loved for its luxurious white blooms and intense fragrance. The flowers are typically large, often with a velvety, rose-like structure that slowly turns creamy yellow as they age.
Cape Jasmine thrives in warm, humid climates and can be grown both outdoors in the ground and indoors in pots. It's frequently used in bridal bouquets and elegant floral displays due to its classic, romantic appearance. If you’re after a timeless, graceful look, this is a go-to.
Key Highlights:
- Strong, sweet fragrance
- Large, double blooms
- Excellent for floral arrangements and hedges
2. Gardenia Thunbergia
Often grown as an ornamental shrub or small tree, this variety is native to South Africa and can grow quite tall, sometimes reaching up to 5 metres. The flowers are tubular and star-shaped, with a more subtle scent compared to other gardenias.
Thunbergia blooms are usually smaller, but they appear in abundance, creating a lovely visual impact. Because of its size and bushy structure, it’s commonly used for privacy screens or boundary hedges in gardens.
Key Highlights:
- Tall-growing, tree-like structure
- Perfect for landscaping large spaces
- Tubular, white flowers with a mild scent
3. Gardenia Radicans
This is a compact, low-growing variety that’s ideal for smaller spaces or container gardening. It forms a tidy, trailing mound of glossy green leaves and blooms with petite white flowers that give off a gentle fragrance. Radicans are favoured for borders, ground cover, or small balcony gardens. It’s also great in hanging baskets or shallow ceramic pots, adding charm without taking up too much space.
Key Highlights:
- Dwarf variety, great for pots and balconies
- Low maintenance and easy to shape
- Petite blooms with a delicate fragrance
4. Gardenia Veitchii
Veitchii is a gardener’s favourite because it flowers more often than other varieties, even throughout the year in warmer climates. Its blooms are smaller and often double-petalled, giving a lush, ruffled look.
This variety thrives indoors if given enough light and humidity, making it a solid choice for those who want continuous blooms with less outdoor maintenance. It’s also more resistant to pests than some of its cousins.
Key Highlights:
- Repeat bloomer, often year-round
- Compact, suitable for indoor gardening
- Double-petalled white flowers
5. Gardenia Augusta ‘Florida’
This variety is a real showstopper. It produces large, snowy white double blooms that are incredibly fragrant. The flowers are supported by dark green, glossy leaves, creating a beautiful contrast that adds depth to any floral design or garden bed.
What sets ‘Florida’ apart is its strong resistance to common gardenia pests and diseases. It’s an ideal choice for those who want something both beautiful and resilient.
Key Highlights:
- Large, double blooms with strong fragrance
- Glossy foliage for extra visual appeal
- Hardy and disease-resistant
6. Gardenia Tahitensis (Tahitian Gardenia)
Also known as the Tiare flower, this tropical beauty is technically not part of the same genus but is often grouped with other gardenias because of its similar traits. The blooms are larger and more spaced out, with a star-like, pinwheel formation that’s commonly seen in Hawaiian leis and traditional Polynesian ceremonies.
Its fragrance is exotic and sweet, instantly transporting you to a tropical island. The Tahitian Gardenia thrives in warm, humid climates and loves lots of sunlight.
Key Highlights:
- Large, pinwheel-shaped flowers
- Exotic, sweet scent
- Used in leis and tropical arrangements
7. Gardenia Brighamii (Hawaiian Gardenia)
This rare and protected species is native to Hawaii and is considered a bit of a hidden gem among gardenias. It features waxy, white, star-shaped flowers with a more subtle scent than other varieties.
While harder to find, Brighamii stands out because of its elegant structure and minimalistic beauty. It’s well-suited to those looking to cultivate something unique or make a minimalist statement in their garden.
Key Highlights:
- Rare, endangered species native to Hawaii
- Waxy, star-shaped white blooms
- Elegant and minimal in appearance
Conclusion About The Types Of Gardenia Flowers
Whether you’re a flower enthusiast, new to gardening, or someone who just appreciates a good bouquet, the variety in the types of gardenia flowers ensures there's something for everyone. These blooms aren’t just beautiful to look at, they also add an air of calm and sophistication to any space they’re in.
If you’re in Singapore and looking to brighten someone’s day or elevate your own space, Windflower Florist offers the best flower delivery in Singapore, with an added bonus of 10% off your first purchase.
Frequently Asked Questions About The Types Of Gardenia Flowers
Can I Grow Gardenias Indoors In Singapore?
Yes, many dwarf varieties like Gardenia Radicans or Veitchii are well-suited for indoor growth, provided they get bright, indirect sunlight and consistent humidity.
Do Gardenias Require A Lot Of Maintenance?
They do need a bit more care than the average plant. Keeping soil slightly acidic, watering correctly, and avoiding sudden temperature changes are key.
What Do Gardenia Flowers Symbolise?
Gardenias often represent purity, secret love, and joy. They’re commonly chosen for weddings, anniversaries, and meaningful personal gifts.
Are Gardenias Safe For Pets?
Gardenias can be mildly toxic to pets like cats and dogs if ingested, causing gastrointestinal discomfort. It’s best to keep them out of reach.
How Long Do Gardenia Blooms Last?
The flowers generally last one to two weeks when properly cared for. In arrangements, they can stay fresh for about five to seven days.
