Gardenia DescriptionBotanical Name: Gardenia jasminoides Native to China and Japan. Leaves are glossy, bright green, 1 1/2" - 2" long, 1-1/2" wide. Flowers are glossy white and intensely fragrant. Does poor in desert alkaline soil, so raised beds and containers are suggested. Plant CharacteristicsPlant Category: ShrubsName: GardeniaPlant Type: Semi-evergreen/Deciduous Flower: Glossy white, 1 1/2"- 2 1/2" wide Mature Size: Varieties vary in size Water: Moderate Exposure:: Full sun, part shade in summer heat Spacing: 2 1/2' Soil Type: Clay; loam; sand; acidic; alkaline; well drained Planting Time: April through October CommentsComments: If planted in the ground give northern or eastern exposure in southwest desert.