The quest for a cold hardy Gardenia in the Southern Appalachians has been a disappointing one for many gardeners. The Michael's and Kleim's Hardy Gardenias have been touted by some to be able to survive winters. In practice, however, they tend to die back to the ground or are subject to delayed flushing of leaves. The result has been small, unattractive plants that are not evergreen and barely flower. What's the point of even growing a Gardenia if that is to be the case?
Last year I decided to try one more variety that was described by renowned horticulturist Michael Dirr to be a truly cold hardy variety. This Gardenia was aptly named "Frost Proof," but with little enthusiasm I left it in a container and proceeded to forget about it over the brutal winter. To my surprise it not only survived, but only lost 5% of its leaves to freeze damage. It set buds with gusto, and the picture above that I snapped this morning shows the first flower of the year. By the end of June it will be covered in blooms, and with a little dead-heading will maintain fragrant, double white blossoms until the first freeze.
Now, I don't recommend that everyone in our region try to grow this in a container, but I am confident that with proper planting in the ground this Gardenia will last year after year. Remember that these plants are heavy feeders, and do best in a sunny spot, and the spicy sweet smell of Gardenia blooms will finally be able to fill the gardens of the southern mountains.
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