Gardenia jasminoides ‘Chuck Hayes’
The lusciously sweet scent of gardenia is back in the garden.
The western border against the fence, planted with Gardenia jasminoides ‘Chuck Hayes,’ is beginning to fill with creamy rich blossoms.
Gardenia jasminoides ‘Chuck Hayes’
This Chuck Hayes hedge bloomed earlier last year, by May 23, but since everything was early last year, I checked my records back another year. In 2011 the date was June 4.
The mature size of this hardy evergreen is 3-6 feet in height and width. In this garden those in more sun are approaching the 6-foot mark while those situated under more shade are 3-4-feet. This year’s abundant rain was perfect for keeping these plants looking healthy.
Gardenia jasminoides ‘Chuck Hayes’
Two gardenias of unknown species are in full bloom today along the northern side of the house as well.
Gardenia jasminoides sp.
Gardenia jasminoides sp.
These 8-foot shrubs were rooted by a dear friend and former next-door-neighbor. Across the driveway sits the gardenia she planted when she lived there. It is still growing strong, but ironically it has not begun blooming yet this season.
This gardenia’s individual blossoms look so compelling, it was impossible to select one representative image.
Gardenia jasminoides sp.
Gardenia jasminoides sp.
Gardenia jasminoides sp.
Gardenia jasminoides sp.
I brought some flowers into the house to enjoy and the gardenia scent is delightful.
Note
Five Gardenia jasminoides ‘August Beauty’ (Gardenia) planted last year to screen the heating/air conditioning units are disappointing so far. They are barely hanging on, showing yellowing leaves and little growth.
pbmGarden 
How I wish I could grow these here…I can only imagine the scent
I wish that for you too Donna–their fragrance is sweet and nostalgic.
Absolutely gorgeous and I can only imagine the delicious smell.
Thanks Judy. The scent is lovely.
So beautiful, we are able to grow so many of the same plants in our gardens but very sadly for me this isn’t one of them, our winters are just too cold. Enjoy the perfume for me too. Christina
I will do that Christina! The hardy forms of gardenia (from what I’ve read) are safe down to 0F.
These flowers are exquisite – so pretty and so healthy-looking! Enjoy the scent as much as you can while it lasts Susie!
Cathy, I could smell them when I was coming down the stairs this morning. Their perfume is strong.
Your garden must smell absolutely heavenly at the moment, you must be out there at every opportunity enjoying it! Such a shame they aren’t hardy here, thank you for sharing yours with us.
My pleasure Pauline. The flowers turn brown all too quickly but the scent lingers.
We have to grow these as house plants here!
In my area these are as close to maintenance-free as it gets. Lucky for me because I am not good at providing consistent care for my plants.
Hi Susie, I’ve never seen a gardenia that tall in my life! Normally here we have them not taller than 1 foot and we keep them in pots, indoor. I love their perfume but yet I don’t like to keep plants in ‘captivity’ indoors, they all die on me. Lovely to know you have 6foot tall gardenias!
(so it never freezes in your garden?!)
Actually yes, it does get below freezing here sometimes Alberto. I read our lowest recorded temperature was -8°F in 1985, but can’t recall that time myself. The pass-along gardenias in my yard are planted next to the house and I presume that gives them some protection. The Chuck Hayes is specially bred to be hardy to 0°F. So far, so good! If I had to rely on pots indoors I wouldn’t do much gardening.
I can smell it from here!
Sorry we didn’t check them when you were here. The next day I found them in full bloom!
Lovely! You seem to get blooms a week ahead of me so I know what I have to look forward to in the next few days. 🙂
Stunning! I wish I could grow them outside. I don’t think mine like being in a pot since it doesn’t do anything in the last couple of years.
These are the prettiest they’ve been in years with all the rain we’ve had. Wish I could offer some advice about growing them in pots but I’m sure you’ve tried anything I could suggest.