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Frost Proof Gardenia

$9995 $13995
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Your Plants are Guaranteed to Grow

Your plants are guaranteed to arrive happy & healthy with our 1 Year Warranty. Your order will arrive healthy and stay healthy while they adapt to your climate. If your tree arrives damaged or dies within 30 days, we'll replace it for free. If it dies after 30 days, but before 1 year, we will replace it for just 50% of the current price.

Free Shipping on All Orders

Relax... we've got you covered with free shipping on every order! We ship out so many huge plants, we've negotiated a low rate with our carriers... and we pass those savings on to you! Your plants will ship out the next business day... expertly packed so that your plants will arrive happy and healthy!

Is Now a Good Time to Plant?

Yes! Fall is one of the best times to plant!

Landscaping experts often recommend planting in fall instead of waiting until spring. Here’s why:

  • Cooler weather puts less stress on newly planted trees and shrubs.
  • Fall soil is still warm, which helps roots grow and get established.
  • Cooler temperatures mean less water is lost through the leaves, making it easier for plants to stay hydrated.
  • Even after top growth slows for winter, roots continue developing below ground.
  • Fall weather often brings more rain and less heat, making new plants easier to care for.
  • By spring, your plants already have a head start. Their established roots can support strong new leaves, branches, and flowers.
  • Trees planted in spring must establish their roots while also dealing with rising temperatures and summer heat.

Plant this fall, and your trees can spend the cooler months getting settled instead of waiting until spring to get started!

Planting your Frost Proof Gardenia

Planting Instructions for Frost Proof Gardenia

  1. Choosing the Right Location: Plant Frost Proof Gardenia in full to partial sun. It blooms best with good sunlight, but in hotter climates give it morning sun and afternoon shade to prevent leaf scorch. Avoid deep shade, which reduces flowering. Near an entry, patio, or window is ideal so you can enjoy the fragrance up close.
  2. Soil Preparation: Frost Proof Gardenia grows best in slightly acidic, well-drained soil. Amend heavy or poorly drained soil with organic matter such as compost or pine bark fines before planting. Poor drainage and alkaline soil are the most common causes of yellow leaves, so good preparation pays off.
  3. Planting: Dig a hole about twice as wide as the root ball and set the plant so the top of the root ball is level with or slightly above grade. Backfill and firm gently. The shrub matures at about 3 to 4 feet tall and 3 to 5 feet wide, so for a low hedge, space plants about 3 to 4 feet apart.
  4. Mulching and First Watering: Water deeply after planting to settle the soil. Add 2 to 3 inches of mulch around the base to keep the roots cool, hold moisture, and suppress weeds, keeping it a couple of inches away from the stems.

Care Instructions

  1. Watering: Water regularly during the first growing season to establish deep roots, keeping the soil evenly moist but not soggy. Once mature, Frost Proof Gardenia is fairly drought tolerant but blooms best with consistent moisture. Container plants need water more often in hot weather.
  2. Fertilizing: Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring to promote lush growth and blooming. If leaves turn yellow between the veins, switch to a fertilizer made for acid-loving plants, which helps the shrub take up iron. Avoid feeding in late summer and fall.
  3. Pest and Disease Monitoring: Frost Proof Gardenia is more resistant to mildew and pests than many gardenias, but check the undersides of leaves occasionally for whiteflies, scale, or aphids. Black sooty mold on leaves is a sign of these sap-feeding insects. Treat with insecticidal soap or horticultural oil if needed.

Maintenance and Long-Term Care

  1. Pruning: Prune lightly right after the shrub finishes flowering. Trim to maintain shape and remove dead or damaged branches. It does not need constant trimming, and pruning later in the season can remove the buds that form next year's flowers.
  2. Winter Care: Frost Proof Gardenia grows in USDA zones 7 through 10 and handles temperatures down to about 0 degrees F once established. In zone 7, add a layer of mulch over the roots and choose a spot sheltered from harsh winter wind for extra protection.
  3. Growing in Containers: Its compact habit makes this gardenia well suited to porch and patio containers. Use a pot with drainage holes and an acidic, well-draining potting mix. Feed with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring and water whenever the top inch of soil feels dry.

Additional Tips for Growing Frost Proof Gardenia

  1. Enjoying the Blooms: Expect creamy white, rose-like double flowers from late spring through summer. Cut a few blooms to float in a shallow bowl indoors, and plant near windows or seating areas so the sweet scent carries into your home.
  2. Troubleshooting Yellow Leaves: Yellow leaves often mean the soil is not acidic enough, which limits iron uptake, or that the roots are too wet. Check drainage and feed with an acid-loving plant fertilizer. Older inner leaves also yellow and drop naturally, which is normal.
  3. Pet Safety: Gardenias are considered toxic to cats and dogs, though usually mildly. Eating the leaves or flowers can cause vomiting, diarrhea, or other stomach upset. Plant where pets are unlikely to chew it, and contact your veterinarian if your pet eats a large amount.
What Customers say about the Frost Proof Gardenia:

The Frost Proof Gardenia thrives in Zones 7-10

Growing Zones for the Frost Proof Gardenia

If you live in the green area above, we recommend the Frost Proof Gardenia.

Your Growing Zone
Recommended Zones 7-10
Mature Height 3-4 ft.
Mature Width 3-5 ft.
Cannot Ship To AZ, OR
Sunlight Full to Partial Sun
Botanical Name Gardenia jasminoides 'Frostproof'

Plants that Make a Difference

For 20+ years, our team has shipped healthy, established plants to gardeners like you- all across the country. Every plant is selected and cared for by our plant experts before it ships to your door.

  • 20+ Years Experience

  • Superior Quality

  • Free Shipping on All Orders

  • Guaranteed to Grow

Frost Proof Gardenia - NationwidePlants.com

Beware- not all Frost Proof Gardenias are the same.

Be sure to get superior gardenias, grown by experts.

Better Roots Make Stronger Plants: Some nurseries send you "bare root" gardenias to save on shipping. Even worse, others have started digging them right out of the ground before shipping. This causes major transplant shock and long-term damage. We send you Frost Proof Gardenias in soil-filled containers- ensuring a well-developed root system that will explode with growth and blooms!

Healthy Plants: We've seen other nurseries grow tall gardenias in tiny pots to save on shipping. This leads to a "root bound" shrub, where the roots have outgrown their pot- they cannot absorb water and nutrients. They quickly dry out during shipment, leading to an unhealthy shrub.

Frost Proof Gardenia - NationwidePlants.com

Frost Proof Gardenia gives you classic gardenia fragrance with far more cold tolerance than traditional gardenias.

  • Creamy white, rose-like double flowers with a rich, sweet fragrance
  • Blooms late spring through summer
  • Cold hardy to about 0°F once established, in zones 7-10
  • Compact evergreen: 3-4 ft. tall and 3-5 ft. wide for borders and porch containers

Not all plants are created equal

The Difference Is in the Roots

Every plant we ship has grown in a nursery container with its roots protected, so it arrives healthy, established and ready to thrive in your yard.

A full, branched Nationwide Plants tree in a nursery pot next to a thin bare-root tree with exposed roots Ours: container grown Theirs: bare root
Nationwide Plants Other Nurseries
How it's grown Grown in a nursery container, roots protected the whole time Pulled or dug from the field, tearing fragile roots
How it arrives Arrives in its pot with soil intact Arrives bare root, exposed and drying out
Before shipping Growing naturally until it ships Held dormant in a cooler, then shocked by a hot shipping box
Root health Strong, well-developed roots with room to grow Crammed into a small pot until it's root bound
Height Measured from the top of the soil Often includes the pot and roots
After planting Settles in quickly with less transplant shock Arrives stressed and can take years to recover, if it does

The height you see is the height you plant.

We measure every plant from the top of the soil, not the bottom of the pot. Many nurseries include the pot and roots, so a "5–6 ft." tree from them might stand only 4 ft. tall once it's planted.

Comparisons reflect common practices across the online plant industry, not any single company.

Honest Measurements: Some nurseries measure plants including the pot and roots, so the plant you receive is much smaller than you expected. We measure all of our plants from the soil line, so the height you see is what you can expect after planting.

From our nursery to your door

How We Ship Your Plants

Every order is hand-selected, watered and carefully packed so it arrives healthy and ready to plant. Here's what happens after you place your order.

  1. Hand-Picked for You

    Our team selects the best plant available for your order. For privacy trees, that's the tallest and fullest. For fruit trees, it's the best branched.

    Why it matters: Many online nurseries ship whatever is next in the row.

  2. A Deep Drink Before the Trip

    Every plant gets a thorough watering right before it's packed, so it starts the journey fully hydrated.

  3. Roots Sealed In

    We wrap the pot and roots in plastic to lock in moisture, so your plant has water to drink all the way to your door.

    Why it matters: Bare-root plants are often shipped with their roots exposed and drying out.

  4. Braced for the Ride

    Cardboard inserts are secured inside every box to hold your plant in place, so it won't slide, tip or get damaged in transit.

  5. Shipped Only by FedEx

    We ship your trees exclusively with FedEx. We've found they deliver the fastest and handle live plants the most gently.

And if anything goes wrong, every plant is backed by our 1 Year Warranty.

Healthy Roots Make a Huge Difference

  • Never buy bare-root plants. These trees are starved of nutrients, and have a low survival rate.
  • Beware of nurseries cut corners by growing in small pots. These "rootbound" plants are weak, struggle to absorb nutrients, and die quickly after planting.
  • Some nurseries try to sell oversized plants, but chop off vital roots so they can cram the rootball into a narrow box to save on shipping!

You Want Frost Proof Gardenias Grown by Experts

Some nurseries ship small, weak gardenias grown in tiny pots to save money. These "root bound" plants struggle after planting and take longer to bloom well.

Nationwide Plants only sends you strong Frost Proof Gardenias, selected and cared for by our plant experts, with healthy, developed root systems. That means they settle in quickly and start giving you fragrant white blooms sooner.

Read more about the Frost Proof Gardenia

Frost Proof Gardenia – Fragrance That Survives the Chill

Classic southern scent. Cold-hardy strength. Low-maintenance beauty.

The Frost Proof Gardenia is a versatile and hardy evergreen shrub that offers timeless elegance to any landscape. Known for its lush, glossy green foliage and incredibly fragrant, creamy white flowers, this gardenia brings beauty and a sweet, unforgettable scent to your garden from late spring through summer. What sets the Frost Proof Gardenia apart is its exceptional hardiness and tolerance to colder temperatures and frost, making it an excellent choice for gardeners in cooler regions.

Key Features:

  • Fragrant, Pure White Blooms: Produces beautifully fragrant, double blooms from late spring through summer, filling your garden with a delightful scent.
  • Cold Hardy: Unlike traditional gardenias, the Frost Proof variety is exceptionally cold-hardy, thriving in USDA Hardiness Zones 7-11 and tolerating temperatures down to 0°F.
  • Low Maintenance: Resilient and easy to grow, this gardenia is resistant to pests, deer, and mildew, while also thriving in a variety of soil conditions.
  • Compact Growth: Reaches a mature height of 3-5 feet and a width of 3-4 feet, making it ideal for borders, hedges, foundation plantings, or containers.
  • Evergreen Foliage: Features deep, glossy green leaves that remain vibrant year-round, providing structure and color even in the winter months.

Perfect For:

  • Front porch containers – imagine that scent every time you walk by
  • Foundation planting or under windows to enjoy the aroma indoors
  • Mixed evergreen borders with bloom interest
  • Southern-style landscapes with charm and grace

Easy to Grow and Care For

The Frost Proof Gardenia is known for being a hardy, low-maintenance shrub that requires minimal care once established. It thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers slightly acidic, well-drained soil. Unlike many gardenia varieties, this frost-proof option is more resistant to cold, mildew, and pests, making it a reliable and easy-to-grow option for gardeners of all levels. Regular watering during the first growing season is recommended to establish deep roots. After that, the shrub becomes more drought-tolerant and only needs occasional watering during dry periods.

Growing Tips:

  • Sunlight: Prefers full sun to partial shade. In hotter climates, morning sun and afternoon shade will help prevent leaf scorch.
  • Watering: Water regularly during the first growing season to establish deep roots. Once mature, it is drought-tolerant but benefits from consistent moisture.
  • Soil: Grows best in slightly acidic, well-drained soil. If necessary, amend soil with organic matter to improve drainage.
  • Fertilizer: Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring to promote lush growth and blooming.
  • Pruning: Minimal pruning is required. Lightly prune after flowering to maintain shape and remove any dead or damaged branches.

What Growers Say:

“This is the only gardenia I’ve had that survived a surprise frost—and bloomed again!”
— C. Fields, North Carolina

Nationwide Plants are Grown for Strength, Shipped with Care

Unlike box-store plants, our Frost Proof Gardenias are field-grown and cold-acclimated to perform. Every order includes our Grow Guarantee for a confident start.

Frost Proof Gardenia - Flowering Evergreen Shrub for Year-Round Beauty

Transform your garden with the Frost Proof Gardenia, a stunning flowering evergreen shrub that offers year-round beauty. Its fragrant white blooms and glossy, deep green leaves create a captivating display that thrives even in frosty conditions. Perfect for gardens, hedges, or standalone accents, this hardy and low-maintenance shrub ensures your outdoor space remains vibrant and elegant throughout every season. Add the Frost Proof Gardenia to your landscape for enduring charm and effortless care!

Frequently Asked Questions about the Frost Proof Gardenia

How cold hardy is a Frost Proof Gardenia?

Frost Proof Gardenia is much more cold tolerant than traditional gardenias and grows in USDA zones 7 through 10. It is rated to handle temperatures down to about 0 degrees F once established. In zone 7, a layer of mulch over the roots and a spot sheltered from harsh winter wind give extra protection.

How big does a Frost Proof Gardenia get?

A Frost Proof Gardenia typically grows 3 to 4 feet tall and 3 to 5 feet wide, forming a compact, rounded evergreen shrub. Its size makes it ideal for foundation plantings, low hedges, borders, and front porch containers where you can enjoy its fragrance up close.

When does Frost Proof Gardenia bloom?

Frost Proof Gardenia blooms from late spring through summer, producing creamy white, rose-like double flowers with a rich, sweet fragrance. Plant it near entryways, patios, or under windows so you can enjoy the scent both outdoors and inside your home during the blooming season.

Does Frost Proof Gardenia need full sun?

Frost Proof Gardenia grows in full to partial sun. It blooms best with good sunlight, but in hotter climates it appreciates morning sun and afternoon shade to prevent leaf scorch. Avoid deep shade, which reduces flowering and can leave the shrub thin and leggy over time.

What soil does a Frost Proof Gardenia need?

Frost Proof Gardenia grows best in slightly acidic, well-drained soil. Amend heavy or poorly drained soil with organic matter before planting, and set the root ball level with or slightly above grade. Add mulch around the base to keep the roots cool, hold moisture, and suppress weeds.

Why are my gardenia leaves turning yellow?

Yellow leaves on a Frost Proof Gardenia are often caused by soil that is not acidic enough, which limits iron uptake, or by overwatering and poor drainage. Check that the soil drains well, and feed with a fertilizer made for acid-loving plants. Older inner leaves also yellow and drop naturally.

How often should I water a Frost Proof Gardenia?

Water a Frost Proof Gardenia regularly during its first growing season to establish deep roots, keeping the soil evenly moist but not soggy. Once mature, it is fairly drought tolerant but blooms best with consistent moisture. Container plants need water more often in hot weather.

When should I prune a Frost Proof Gardenia?

Prune a Frost Proof Gardenia lightly right after it finishes flowering. Trim to maintain shape and remove dead or damaged branches. It does not need constant trimming, and pruning later in the season can remove the buds that form next year's flowers.

Is Frost Proof Gardenia toxic to pets?

Yes, gardenias are considered toxic to cats and dogs, though usually mildly. Eating the leaves or flowers can cause vomiting, diarrhea, or other stomach upset. Keep the plant where pets are unlikely to chew it, and contact your veterinarian if your pet eats a large amount.

Can Frost Proof Gardenia be grown in a pot?

Yes, Frost Proof Gardenia's compact habit makes it well suited to containers on porches and patios. Use a pot with drainage holes and an acidic, well-draining potting mix. Feed with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring and water whenever the top inch of soil feels dry.
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