May is a month full of blooms. One of the most popular fragrant flowering shrubs you will see in yards across the state are gardenias. These flowering, evergreen shrubs have lent their perfume to southern gardens since they were introduced to the American Colonies in 1752.

Like many of our traditional southern landscape plants, the gardenia is imported. Native to Africa, Asia, Australia, and a few Pacific Islands, they were first bought to Europe by traders from the Cape of Good Hope on the southern tip of Africa. The traders called it “Cape Jasmine” because the scent reminder the people of a jasmine flower. Gardenias were then introduced to the American south by a Scottish-born physician and naturalist living in Charleston, South Carolina, named Alexander Garden. The newly introduced cape jasmine was named Gardenia jasminoides in honor of Mr. Garden. Southerner’s were intoxicated by them from the beginning and soon the shrub could be found throughout the south.

I understand the appeal of the plant. It is a beautiful evergreen shrub with lovely flowers and an aroma that will enhance any landscape. It also happens to be my wife’s favorite flower. We have added four to our yard in the past year.

Often though, gardeners have a few issues with newly planted gardenias. The issues are often related to common problems – poor planting conditions and improper soil moisture. Take a few steps to get the planting conditions right first, and your gardenias will get off to a better start.

Like all landscaping, bed preparation is important. Gardenias need a well-drained bed. This may mean bringing in additional garden soil to slightly elevate the area to improve drainage. Root rot issues can be a concern in the landscape due to over-irrigation/excessive rainfall when landscape bed preparation is not adequate.

Just like our other quintessential southern garden shrubs – azaleas and camellias – gardenias need an acidic soil. The recommended soil pH is 5.0-5.5. This is considered moderately to strongly acid. Nutrient availability and root growth problems occur when soil pH climbs above 6.0 and becomes a major problem at soil pH above 6.5. If you are unsure of your soil pH, I recommend getting a soil test done before planting.

Because gardenias need acidic soils for good growth, supplementing with additional nitrogen and iron fertilizers is important. It is best to add a slow-release fertilizer after spring blooms. If you notice yellowing of younger leaves, iron deficiency may be the cause. Additions of a foliar or soil applied iron fertilizer, such as Ironite, can help correct this. Also, an Epsom salt application once annually may also provide improved foliage color.

Gardenias are sensitive to planting depth. The root ball should be a little higher than the soil line when planted in the ground. Always allow for soil settling. Be careful about piling mulch around the base of the stems.

Practice a “Not too wet; not too dry” irrigation schedule. Try to maintain soil moisture uniformity. Feeling the soil with your hands is a good way to monitor moisture conditions. A slightly stressed gardenia will decline rapidly when overwatered. Water once a week during late spring through midfall when rainfall is lacking.

When it comes to varieties to plant, there are over 200 to choose from. However, there are a few that do exceptionally well in south Louisiana. These come in all sizes and flower shapes. Dwarf cultivars to look for include Radicans, White Gem and Golden Magic – which has yellow flowers. Small to medium (3 to 4 feet) cultivars include Daisey, Jubilation, Frostproof, Variegata, Double Mint, and Heaven Scent. Heaven Scent makes an attractive red seed pod in the fall. Large cultivars (5-6 feet or more) include Veithii, Belmont, Cape Jasmine, August Beauty, and Aimee.

With so many cultivars to choose from, it’s hard to pick a favorite. I selected Variegata for its interesting foliage and Aimee of course in honor of my wife Aimee. Whichever one you choose for your landscape, with proper care you’ll soon have fragrant flowers in your garden.