From mid-January, here in Almeria, our production of gardenias starts to be available to offer it as a jewel to our customers in various formats to meet the needs of any taste. Our bushes are worked in C17 Ø, 19 Ø, 25 Ø and cup 28 Ø, ideal for well-lit indoor spaces as well as outdoors.

It is a timeless classic, as few can resist the luxuriant foliage of this plant, helped by its beautiful white flower with its light fragrance.

Although many believe that gardenia is very demanding in its care, with proper attention it can become the queen of your garden or living room. I would like to give you some tips to help you make it so. I hope we can do it together.

• Watering: keep the peat or soil moist, depending on its location, but avoid waterlogging. Rainwater or decalcified water is ideal to avoid damage to the plant, so there is still time to collect some if you are lucky and it rains in your area.
• Light: it is a plant that thrives in plenty of light, either indoors or outdoors, but not in strong direct sunlight. Semi-shade is also good, but if it is summer sun it should be the morning sun which is not too strong.
• Humidity: gardenias love humid environments. To help it to be in its best condition, we can use some tricks that may help, such as placing a dish with water and pebbles under the pot or spraying its leaves with water (without wetting them).
• Temperature: Few plants like extreme changes, and this one is no exception. They love an average temperature between 15 and 23 °C, so we have to protect them from cold draughts and excessive heat.
•  Substrate and fertiliser: I can’t skip this point! They prefer an acid substrate, well drained and rich in organic matter. When fertilising and during flowering, add a specific fertiliser for acidophilic plants, you will see how beautiful they become!

If the plant is in the garden, place it in a semi-shaded spot, protected from draughts as I mentioned earlier, to help it in cold weather. If you prefer it in a pot, you can change its location depending on the season to keep it healthy and happy.

• In winter: A light and warm place indoors, away from heaters.
• In spring and summer: Outside spaces with good air circulation, protected from the midday sun.
• In autumn: Gradually bring it back indoors to avoid sudden drops in temperature.

As I think you already know, I am a fan of Feng Shui philosophy and gardenia is associated with inner peace, love and the attraction of positive energy. They say that having a gardenia near the entrance of the home helps to raise the vibrations and create a serene atmosphere for those who come into the house. In addition, in relaxation rituals, its flowers are used for aromatic infusions or essential oils that favour emotional balance. Nature offers us so many gifts!

Can you imagine its beautiful flowers adorning your space this year? Well, we’ve just started it, so now is your time because at Rachel’s you’re spoilt for choice.

Visit your garden of confidence to get your hands on a beautiful Gardenia and let me know how it evolves. If you can’t find them, tell them to contact us to offer you these beautiful plants.