Variegated Creeping Dwarf Gardenia

Gardenia jasminoides ‘Variegated Radicans’ – Syn. Gardenia augusta ‘Radicans Variegata’

Plant Details

USDA Plant Hardiness Zones: 8a-10b Find Your Zone

Plant Type: Evergreen Flowering Shrub

Height at Maturity: 12-18″

Width at Maturity: 2-3′

Spacing: 2′ for mass plantings; 4’+ for space between plants

Growth Habit / Form: Mounding, Trailing/Spreading

Flower Color: White

Flower Size: 2″

Flowering Period: Mid- to Late-Spring, Early Summer

Flower Type: Double

Fragrant Flowers: Yes – extremely fragrant!

Foliage Color: Dark Green edged in White

Fragrant Foliage: No

Berries: No

Berry Color: NA

Sun Needs: Morning Sun with Afternoon Shade or Filtered Sun, All Day Filtered Sun

Water Needs: Average, Lower when established

Soil Type: Clay (amended), Loam, Sand (amended), Silt

Soil Moisture / Drainage: Well Drained Moist

Soil pH: 4.5 – 6.0 (Acid)

Maintenance / Care: Low

Attracts: Visual Attention

Resistances: Deer – more info, Drought (when established), Heat, Humidity, Insect

Description

Dwarf Gardenia have always been loved for their fragrant flowers that fill garden spaces with a captivating, exotic aroma during spring and into summer.

In 2014, we were at a trade show and were blown away when we ran across a new variety of dwarf gardenia that had variegated leaves…with LOTS of variegation! Of course we just had to have some. So we ordered a few to plant and test in the Wilson Bros Gardens. Because it was a variegated variety, we weren’t sure if it would be as cold hardy as the other green leaved hardy varieties we’ve had growing in the gardens for years. However, since then, the plants have performed superbly in our Zone 8a Georgia gardens, handling temperatures in the low teens with absolutely no damage.

Beautiful foliage and a heavenly scent make the Variegated Dwarf Gardenia a masterpiece of creation. A vigorous grower, the leaves are a palette of greens and whites that boast year-round beauty. The double-white blossoms carry that famous rich fragrance from spring through summer. This is the best variegated cultivar we’ve seen and grown to date. It’s a really neat variety that provides unique color and texture in containers or garden beds.

Landscape & Garden Uses

Growing 12 to 18 inches or so tall and 2 to 3 feet wide or more over time, the Variegated Creeping Gardenia is ideal for use as a specimen in smaller landscape spaces or in groupings or as a lovely border in larger landscape spaces. The perfect size for use as a solo or mixed with other plants in planter boxes or pots. A fine addition to fragrance gardens and white theme gardens.

Suggested Spacing: 2 feet apart for solid hedge; 4 feet or more apart for space between plants

Growing Preferences

Gardenia are exceptionally easy to grow in moist but well-drained soils of average fertility and part sun, preferably morning sun with some shade or filtered sun in the mid afternoon hours. The east side of homes or other structures is best as plants will get afternoon shade during summer and shelter for northwest winds during winter. As with so many other ornamental plants, constantly soggy or wet soils can cause root rot or other plant diseases. USDA Zones: 8a-11 Find Your Zone

Soil pH is important!

To flower their best and maintain deep green foliage color, all Gardenia require an acid to moderately acid soil ranging from 4.5 to 6.0 on the pH scale. If your soil is alkaline foliage will turn pale-green to yellow and flowering will be diminished.

Soil pH is a measurement of the alkalinity or acidity of soil and is measured on a scale of 1-14, with 7 as the neutral mark. Any measurement below 7 indicates acid soil conditions, and anything above 7 indicates alkaline. If you’re unsure about the pH of your soil and whether or not it’s suitable for growing Gardenia it’s a good idea to test the soil pH in the planting area. You can quickly test soil pH with an inexpensive soil pH tester probe. To raise the pH (make more alkaline) you can add pelletized limestone to the soil. To lower the pH (make more acid) you can apply Soil Sulfur, Aluminum Sulfate, or Chelated Iron. Adding organic compost to the soil or using compost as mulch can also help to increase acidity and maintain acid soil conditions.

Learn More: What is Soil pH & How To Test & Adjust It

Helpful Articles

Click on a link below to find helpful advice from our experts on how to plant, fertilize, prune and water Gardenia plants.

How To Plant & Care For Gardenias

Plant Long & Prosper!

Meet The Wilson Brothers & Staff

Questions? Contact Us

I love these gardenias! The nurseries I have been to have never heard of variegated gardenias. I was more than willing to spread the news and plug Wilson Bros. The plants arrived in great shape just as promised. Can’t wait for blooms! I will be ordering from Wilson Brothers again soon!! Thank you————————————–You’re welcome! Thanks for the kind words and awesome review! We are so glad you are pleased and we hope you enjoy them for years to come! 🙂 Beth Steele | WBG

I recently ordered a dwarf fig tree and two gardenia’s. I was astounded at how beautifully packaged these plants were, so careful and protected. The plants themselves are gorgeous, happy and ready for their new life. I have been gardening-landscaping for over 40 years and have never seen such professional handling of plants. You can sure feel the love involved in the growing and shipping of them. I am very impressed and will continue to look to Wilson Bros. for future purchases!—————————————————————Thanks so much for your review. Let us know if there’s ever anything we can help you with. 🙂 – Beth | WBG

Plants arrived beautifully healthy and robust! Thank you.——————————————–We are so glad you are pleased and we hope you enjoy them for years to come! Thanks for the great review! 🙂 Beth Steele | WBG

At first I was a little hesitant to purchase a plant for delivery in the extreme heat we have been experiencing. But the plant was in excellent condition, very little soil loss, and it was still moist! This was after a four day transit across the country.————————————We are so glad you are pleased and we hope you enjoy it for years to come! Thanks for the kind words and great review! 🙂 Beth Steele | WBG

I didn’t even know these existed until I saw them here. They are exactly what I need for large pots along narrow path. They were shipped quickly, well packed, and arrived in excellent condition. There was no transplant shock when I planted them, and they appear to be thriving. I’m very happy with them.————————————————-We are so glad you are pleased and we hope you enjoy them for years to come! Thanks for the great review! 🙂 Beth Steele | WBG

What a delight to find this dwarf variegated gardenia at this website! The ordering process was so easy, and my healthy plant arrived just a few days later! We are so pleased with this beautiful shrub to add to our other variegated gardenias. Wilson Brothers is a reliable company for all of your garden needs.——————————————————-We are so glad you are pleased and we hope you enjoy it for years to come! Thanks for the kind words and great review! 🙂 Beth Steele | WBG

Plant arrived in perfect condition, very full and covered in buds. It took awhile, and I was beginning to wonder, but now almost every day one of those little suckers explodes into flower. I couldn’t be more pleased.——————————————-We are so glad you are pleased with your purchase! Thanks for the kind words and great review! Beth | WBG 🙂

I received my variegated creeping dwarf gardenia within 4 days of ordering. This was a very short timeframe compared to other online planting services. (I also ordered from 4 other retailers and Wilson Borothers was by far the fastest.)
My five gardenias arrived healthy, green, and moist. I have planted them and they are surviving. Three of the five plants arrived full of buds but they haven’t opened yet.
I live in zone 8a and I have an eastern exposure. So I’m hoping these do well. I also have several mature trees that will provide some shade and allow filtered sunlight. I amended the soil a year ago and added sulfur pellets this spring to help acidify our native alkaline sweet Texas soil.
Compared to other gardenias, I’ve read that these grow more slowly. That seems to be true. The other gardenias I planted already spread out a bit and started blossoming once transplanted into the ground. I wanted something with a variegated leaf to break up the monotone green shrubs. So I think this should do well.—————————–They will do well, just give them a little time. We are so glad you are pleased and we hope you enjoy them for years to come! Thanks for the great review! 🙂 Beth Steele | WBG

These gardenias have become a wonderful addition to my landscape project. They arrived in perfect condition, very well packed.————————————————–Thanks for the kind words!! We are so glad you are pleased with your purchase! Thanks for the great review! Beth | WBG 🙂

Came on time. Was in lovely shape.——————————We are so glad you are pleased with your purchase! Thanks for the great review! Beth | WBG 🙂

The plant arrived in very good condition, It was larger than I expected, very well branched and full of buds. A few days after it arrived it was full of blooms. The flowers smelled wonderful — the same as a traditional gardenia. The variegated leaves are spectacular. I had, personally, never seen a variegated gardenia; nor one that trailed the ground. I am beyond pleased with my choice. Thank you Wilson Bros for sending such a wonderful specimen. Once again I was not disappointed. Wilson Bros is becoming my favorite on-line nursery.—————————————–We are so glad you are pleased and we hope you enjoy it for years to come! Thanks for the great review! 🙂 Beth Steele | WBG

Plants are settling into the garden beautifully. With all the rain we have been having here in Florida only helps the plants to get more established. Love, love them a lot. Good accent in my white and green planting area.———————————–We are so happy you are pleased with your purchase! Beth | WBG

We ordered and planted this gardenia last fall. It arrived safely and healthy and is thriving with many buds soon to open. Looking forward to the beautiful fragrant flowers.————————————-We are so glad you are pleased! Beth | WBG

The plants came packaged very securely and in excellent condition. I have them in the ground in a partial shaded area and they are doing great. Just beautiful variegated leaves@———————————-Thanks for the great review! Beth | WBG

Thanks for the beautiful plants! I was skeptical of buying without seeing the actual plant, but was not disappointed with my order. They were very well packaged to survive shipping. Each one had a cardboard collar and supports to keep it from shifting or getting crushed. The pots were wrapped to retain moisture. They are good sized plants, very full and healthy. I just hope I can keep them that way! I will order again without hesitation.——————————————Thanks for the great review! Beth | WBG

The plant arrived in great shape. I look forward to adding this lovely sub-shrub to my garden.—————————————Hi Lelia, Thanks so much for taking the time to provide your review of the Variegated Creeping Dwarf Gardenia. We are so glad you are pleased and we hope you enjoy it for years to come! 🙂
Beth Steele | Wilson Bros Gardens

Very healthy plants, they are doing great, just what I wanted and could not find in area.————————————————Hi Katherine, Thanks so much for taking the time to provide your review of the Variagated Creeping Dwarf Gardenia. We are so glad you are pleased and we hope you enjoy them for years to come! 🙂
Beth Steele | Wilson Bros Gardens

Magnificent! These are just beautiful. Arrived less than 24 hr. after shipping, full of blooms and buds, so healthy. Packaged so well not a speck of soil in the box and the aroma is stunning. Thank you so much Wilson Bros Gardens!———————————————–Hi Judy, Thanks so much for taking the time to provide your review of the Variegated Creeping Gardenia. We are so glad you are pleased and we hope you enjoy it for years to come! Thanks for the great review!
Beth Steele | Wilson Bros Gardens

I am very pleased to have found your website. I find the most amazing plants to select from, you have a great variety of choices. Most importantly is the information you supply for the care and maintenance of the plants and trees.
My first order was for a Leatherleaf Mahonia and a variegated Creeping Dwarf gardenia. They both arrived very healthy and extremely well packaged. I could not plant them for a couple of days after I received them but they stayed healthy.
It’s been over a week now that I following your instructions planted them and they look great and still very healthy.
Also, I suggested that you incorporate a wish list option on your website and the suggestion was incorporated to your website within a couple of weeks. I wish you great success. Your customer service is very accommodating.
Thank you!—————————————–WBG Reply: Hi JoAnn, Thanks so much for taking the time to provide your review of the Variegated Creeping Dwarf Gardenia. We are so glad you are pleased and we hope you enjoy it for years to come! Thanks so much for the kind words!
Beth Steele | Wilson Bros Gardens

Love this gardenia which I just received several weeks ago. I planted them in pots on the front porch, which is completely shaded. They started out well with lots of blossoms. However, for the last couple of weeks they have been losing their leaves and the blossoms are falling off. Looking pretty ragged! Trust this is only temporary transplant shock – we’ll see. ——————— WBG Reply: Hi Jan – Thanks for your review of the Variegated Dwarf Gardenia. Our crop this spring (2018) has been superb; extra healthy and full of buds and blossoms. We are still shipping from the crop we shipped yours from and all of ours are doing fine but are naturally shedding some leaves. Gardenias use a lot of energy to produce their flowers which naturally causes the plant to shed from 1/3 to a 1/2 of it’s older leaves during and after the spring bloom. The interior leaves usually turn yellow before dropping. Still we want to make sure what your plants are going through is this shedding and not some other problem. if not natural shedding, it could be soil moisture. Gardenia growing in pots like a consistently damp to moist soil, but not constantly soggy or wet. First, use the finger test to check the soil moisture down to a depth of 3 to 4 inches. If too dry deep soak the soil until water runs out of the hole in the bottom. It’s best to deep soak the soil less frequently than to splash a little water every day. Then allow the top 2 inches or so of soil to dry somewhat before watering again. If too wet, make sure there are drainage holes in the bottom of the pots and that water is draining sufficiently through these. If not, either drill drainage holes in the pots or switch to other containers that have the holes. One other thing can be soil type. In our planting instructions we always suggest a premium potting mix or potting soil or a 50/50 combination thereof. Avoid the use of native soil (dirt) as it usually retains too much moisture. Keep us posted and don’t hesitate to contact us by email if you need more details or have any questions or concerns. – Brent | Wilson Bros Gardens

Beautiful when planted! Looking forward to flowering with variegated leaves backgrounds! ——————– WBG Reply: Hi Pam – Thanks so much for taking the time to provide your review of the Dwarf Variegated Gardenia. We hope you enjoy yours for years to come. We couldn’t agree more that this variegated one is a beautiful standout in the garden. I have three of them in a grouping in my own landscape and they’re doing great since planting 3 years ago. Wasn’t sure if they’d stand up to the cold winter temps we have in north-central Georgia but they’ve come through two winters with no cold damage at all. Same goes for the upright Variegated August beauty Gardenia. Thanks again and let us know if there’s ever anything else we can help you with. We’re at your service! – Brent | Wilson Bros Gardens

Wilson Brothers is impressive!! As usual, the variegated gardenias arrived in great condition. I am so impressed with the quality of the plants I have received. When I can’t find something locally, my go-to nursery is Wilson Brothers, which is the same hardiness zone in which I live. They have shipped me dozens of plants, all healthy, well pruned, and all performing fabulously. ——————- WBG Reply: Hi Eileen – Thanks so much for taking the time to provide your review and for the compliments. Make sure to use the coupon code we send in the Review email on your next purchase. It is a pleasure to serve you. Let us know if there’s ever anything we can help you with. – Brent | Wilson Bros Gardens