'Chuck Hayes' Gardenia

Whether you live a little north or a little south of most gardenias' hardiness range, you will be able to grow 'Chuck Hayes' Gardenia successfully. It's tolerant of both more cold and more heat than any other varieties we've ever grown. The cold-hardiness of 'Chuck Hayes' Gardenia opens up whole new possibilities for surviving the severe winter weather of the north, while the heat tolerance improves its bloom strength, making it one of the heaviest-flowering gardenias in the world.

'Chuck Hayes' Gardenia double-flowered ivory-white blooms begin unfurling in early summer, as soon as the hot weather arrives. They continue over a long season, absolutely radiating that irresistible gardenia fragrance. Long-lasting and very showy at 2 to 3 inches across, they make superb cut flowers.

The heaven-scented blooms are banked by dense, healthy, glossy dark green foliage, which remains evergreen on this well-branched shrub. A slow grower, 'Chuck Hayes' Gardenia reaches about 4 feet tall and wide after 10 years' growth. This makes it a good size for the foundation, a low hedge, mass planting, and specimen use, as well as a standout in the border and woodland setting. Plant 'Chuck Hayes' Gardenia in part shade in all but the coolest climates (where it can stand more sun). Choose a well-watered garden spot where the soil stays moist (but not wet), and this easy cultivar is sure to thrive.

Most renowned for its cold-hardiness, this rough-and-ready little shrub takes on the toughest environmental challenges. It flourishes in the ultra humid, sultry summers of Zone 11 as well as the hardest winters of Zone 7a. You will find it delightful year-round, and one of the lowest maintenance plants in your garden.